MS Keeping Kids Safe Online Act;
What changed between versions
The definition of 'interactive computer service' now explicitly excludes broadband providers, electronic mail services, text message services, and telephone services. This significantly narrows which platforms are subject to the act's requirements.
The safe harbor provision was rewritten. Broadband providers and their affiliates/subsidiaries were removed from the protected category. Only search engines and cloud service providers retain protection, and it is now limited to situations where they are not responsible for creating or developing harmful content.
New definitions added for 'electronic mail service,' 'parent' (requiring government-issued ID verification with prompt deletion of the ID), 'telephone service' (voice calls over internet connection), and 'text message service.'
The prohibition on adult-minor communication was narrowed. Previously it banned any adult using the service to communicate with a minor. Now it only prohibits an adult from knowingly engaging in a pattern of conduct or communication aimed at gaining access to, persuading, inducing, or coercing a child into sexually explicit conduct, human trafficking, or sexual servitude.
The parental consent provision was changed from requiring consent for 'each instance of conduct' to 'each category of conduct,' which may reduce the frequency with which providers must obtain separate written consent.
A new conflict rule was added stating that if this act conflicts with the Walker Montgomery Protecting Children Online Act, the Walker Montgomery Act provisions will control. The name of that act was also corrected to include 'Online.'