OLYMPIA, WA — Washington State Attorney General’s Office Attorney General Nick Brown joined a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general opposing a proposed federal bill known as the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, or KIDS Act, arguing the legislation would weaken states’ ability to regulate online platforms and protect minors from harmful content.

According to a news release issued Tuesday, the coalition sent a letter to congressional leaders opposing H.R. 7757, claiming the bill would broadly preempt state laws targeting online harms involving minors, including issues related to social media, obscenity, artificial intelligence chatbots, and gaming platforms.

Brown said Congress should instead pursue legislation that includes a “duty of care” requirement for technology companies, which would require platforms to prioritize youth safety in their design and operation.

“For years, tech companies have placed profits ahead of the safety of our children, designing platforms that are so addictive that kids forgo sleep, play, and in-person socializing just to keep scrolling,” Brown said in the release. “Because Congress refuses to act, they should get out of the way of states advancing sensible legislation to protect kids from damaging content online.”

The release said the letter comes as attorneys general in multiple states continue investigations and litigation involving companies such as Meta and TikTok over allegations related to harms involving underage users and the collection of their data.

Washington joined attorneys general from more than 40 states and territories in signing the letter, which was sent to congressional leaders including John Thune, Charles Schumer, Mike Johnson, and Hakeem Jeffries.