The proposal is linked to the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), a major bill currently under consideration in the US Senate aimed at strengthening protections for minors online. If adopted, the language could limit or block thousands of lawsuits filed by children and parents who allege harm caused by social media products.
The draft provision states that online platforms would be “immune from suit or liability under state law” for claims related to the safety or privacy of users under 18, including harms arising from the use of features governed by the bill. It also includes language that could override state-level laws on children’s online safety and privacy.
Meta and YouTube, owned by Google, are currently facing multiple lawsuits over claims that their platforms contribute to addictive behaviour and harm among young users. Earlier this year, the companies were ordered to pay $6 million in damages after losing a case involving such allegations. Both firms have said they intend to appeal.
Meta spokesperson Stephanie Otway said the proposed language does not erase existing lawsuits and does not provide blanket immunity. She said it is intended to establish national standards for online child safety rather than allow what she described as fragmented regulation across different states.
However, critics strongly dispute that interpretation. Julia Duncan of the American Association for Justice said the provision would effectively block pending and future lawsuits, arguing that it removes legal avenues for families and schools seeking accountability from technology companies.
The lobbying effort, according to the source cited by Reuters, reflects Meta’s attempt to secure legal clarity and limit exposure to litigation as lawmakers intensify scrutiny of how social media platforms affect children and teenagers. Meta is also reported to have proposed the changes as part of discussions in which it would drop opposition to KOSA.
The legislation, sponsored by Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, would require technology companies to take reasonable steps to reduce risks such as compulsive use, exposure to harmful content and other features linked to excessive engagement.
Under the bill, companies would be expected to review design elements including infinite scrolling, push notifications and photo filters that may influence body image or user behaviour. The proposal is now part of broader negotiations in Congress involving child safety and artificial intelligence regulations.
KOSA previously passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support but failed to advance in the House of Representatives. It has since been reintroduced with backing from senior Senate leaders in both parties.
A California court ruling earlier this year found Meta and YouTube liable in a case involving claims that platform features contributed to youth harm, a decision that companies are now appealing. The outcome has added urgency to ongoing legislative discussions over how far platform liability should extend in US law.
