Summary of the EFF’s 2025 Year in Review: Fighting for Digital Rights – KOSA & GUARD Act
This article from the electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) details thier efforts in 2025 to combat legislation that threatens online privacy, free speech, and innovation, specifically focusing on the Kids Online Safety act (KOSA) and the GUARD Act.
Key concerns & Arguments:
* KOSA (Kids Online Safety Act): The EFF argues KOSA, despite being framed as a child safety bill, would lead to widespread age verification requirements, impacting all internet users, not just children. This would:
* stifle speech: By forcing platforms to censor content deemed harmful to minors.
* Invade privacy: Requiring users to provide personal data for age verification.
* Disadvantage smaller platforms: Big tech companies can handle the compliance costs, while smaller platforms will struggle.
* Ultimately fail to protect kids: While aiming to protect children,it would harm everyone’s online experience.
* GUARD Act: This bill,concerning AI chatbots,would similarly mandate age verification,prohibit minors from using AI tools,and impose criminal penalties. The EFF views it as an age-gating mandate that would:
* Collect sensitive data.
* Chill speech.
* Hinder innovation.
* Disproportionately harm vulnerable groups.
* Underlying Flaws in Congressional Approach: The EFF identifies three flawed assumptions driving these bills:
- The internet needs to be age-gated to be safe.
- The state should determine the value of expressive content.
- Censorship and surveillance are acceptable trade-offs for online safety.
* Who benefits? The EFF points out that these bills primarily benefit big tech companies, age verification vendors, and politicians seeking credit, while harming users and smaller platforms.
Current Status & Future Outlook:
* KOSA: Momentum waned in 2025, with the Senate version stalling in committee and even receiving a dissenting vote from an original sponsor in the House.
* GUARD Act: The EFF actively urged lawmakers to reject the GUARD Act.
* Continued Fight: Lawmakers are expected to revisit these issues in 2026, requiring continued advocacy.
Call to Action:
The EFF urges readers to:
* Support their work: Through donations and advocacy.
* Stay informed: Utilize their resource hub at EFF.org/Age.
* Take action: Oppose age verification mandates and advocate for privacy.
In essence, the EFF frames these bills as dangerous overreaches that prioritize surveillance and censorship over genuine online safety and user rights. They are committed to fighting against these measures and promoting a more open and private internet.
