Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced on May 26 that he has joined a coalition of 43 attorneys general in signing a letter opposing the federal Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act (KIDS Act). The group argues that the bill would weaken states’ ability to protect children online while shielding major technology companies from accountability. The coalition is urging Congress to advance legislation that includes a meaningful duty of care requirement for online platforms.
“Keeping children safe online is a top priority for my office, and we must use every available tool to get the job done,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “The KIDS Act falls short because it limits states’ ability to hold Big Tech companies accountable while failing to provide the meaningful protections children need online. We support the Senate version of KOSA because it includes a strong Duty of Care requirement that puts the responsibility on online platforms to act in the best interests of minors and preserves the authority of states to enforce stronger protections for kids and teens.”
According to Torrez, the coalition warns that the KIDS Act would broadly preempt state laws addressing harms such as social media dangers, obscenity, social gaming platforms, and artificial intelligence chatbots affecting minors. The attorneys general expressed support for the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which contains a key Duty of Care provision requiring online platforms to act in minors’ best interests while allowing states to enforce stronger safeguards.
The letter was sent as the New Mexico Department of Justice concluded testimony in phase two of its trial against Meta. Following an earlier victory against Meta in March during phase one, New Mexico is now requesting injunctive relief intended to improve child safety measures on digital platforms.
New Mexico joins attorneys general from Connecticut, Hawaii, Ohio, Tennessee, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, and other jurisdictions in sending this letter to Congressional leadership including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson.
The New Mexico Attorney General serves as chief legal officer for New Mexico; provides services across all counties; fosters trust through community outreach; supports law enforcement; upholds rule of law; advances justice through litigation; and coordinates with local agencies for public safety efforts, according to the official website.
