The Senate is considering a bill that poses serious risks to free speech. The Senate Commerce Committee recently advanced the Kids Online Safety Act by unanimous vote. It would empower government officials—state attorneys general and the Federal Trade Commission—to challenge social-media companies when they fail to prevent “harm to minors.” Invigorated with greater statutory authority, the already aggressive enforcement agencies would have the means to deem any speech unlawful and limit it under the guise of promoting child safety.

According to the text of KOSA, a state attorney general could bring a civil lawsuit against a platform if it doesn’t take down content that falls under the bill’s definition of harmful. For instance, a state could sue Instagram for violating the act’s duty of care if it doesn’t take down posts that make a child feel more anxious.