This legislative session is ever evolving with additional bills and funding requests being introduced daily. Last week Governor DeSantis set in motion legislation to protect Floridians digital rights and privacy. Governor DeSantis stated, “Today’s proposal builds on our efforts to stop Big Tech censorship and combat the malign influence of China through the removal of nefarious platforms like TikTok from any state supported activity.”
The “Digital Bill of Rights” preserves “the right to have private, in-person conversations without Big Tech surveillance; the right to participate in online platforms without unfair censorship; the right to know how internet search engines manipulate search results; the right to control personal data and the right to protect children from online harms.” The rights also require large search engines, such as Google, operating in Florida to disclose whether they prioritize search results based upon political or ideological views or monetary characteristics. It also bans the use of TikTok and other social media tied to China and other foreign countries of concern on all government devices and bans the access of social media networks through internet services provided by an university, public school or other government office. The “Digital Bill of Rights” also prohibits any Florida state or local government employee from conspiring with a Big Tech company to police or censor freedom of speech. Governor DeSantis has also directed the Department of Management Services to issue a formal recommendation to state agencies to execute all necessary safeguards to block access to the China tied software including TikTok, WeChat and QQ from all state devices.
This new legislation will ensure government devices and servers are protected from the security risks posed by social media’s ties to China and other foreign countries of concern. It also ensures social media networks are prohibited on the premises where young people could be exposed to harmful content. Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commission, Mark Glass stated “This tremendous tool will empower Floridians to fight back against fraud online, to ensure that the information they receive is really what it seems and to protect their children from malicious actors.”
Attorney General Ashley Moody stated “Big Tech has gone unchecked for too long and has been reckless with our data, causing major concerns about privacy and potentially jeopardizing sensitive state information. I’m proud to stand with Governor DeSantis today to give Silicon Valley a reboot and announce an audacious plan to protect Floridians and keep our children safe online.”
Also last week HB 7B, Intercollegiate Athlete Compensation and Rights bill was presented to the Governor for signing. Governor DeSantis has until March 2, 2023, to sign. The bill revises provisions relating to athlete agents representing intercollegiate athletes for certain purposes, compensation that intercollegiate athletes may receive, postsecondary educational institutions requirements, & specified workshops; & provides specified individuals are not liable for damages. The bill reads “a person must hold a valid license as an athlete agent to act as an athlete agent representing an intercollegiate athlete for purposes of contracts that allow an intercollegiate athlete to profit from the commercial use of her or his name, image, or likeness and to be protected from unauthorized appropriation and commercial exploitation of her or his right to publicity, including her or his name, image, or likeness.”
Protecting Floridan’s and their children seemed to be the theme of legislators last week. Our elected officials are providing safeguards to protect our next generation, so our democracy, our constitution, and our bill of rights represent America’s and Florida’s freedom framework.
Published | Jackson County Times | February 23, 2023