Computers & internet

DeSantis Proposes 'Digital Bill of Rights'

Published FEB 16 2023

Story

Image credit: fox

The Facts

Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday unveiled what he called the “Digital Bill of Rights,” which is meant to prevent Big Tech firms from harming children, breaching citizens’ privacy, and censoring users.
The Gazette
DeSantis’ list of proposals, which will be considered by the Florida legislature in March, includes a ban on TikTok and other social media platforms with ties to China at schools and colleges.
The Gazette
Another proposal will prevent tech companies from collecting information by listening to private conversations without consent. DeSantis also wants to use Florida’s consumer protection laws to stop platforms from applying their terms of service with “a thumb on the scale against the people they disagree with politically.”
FOX News
Other Florida legislators have filed bills with similar intentions — including one to require schools to block students from social media sites while on school grounds, and one to make social media education part of the state’s standardized curriculum.
The Capitolist
DeSantis’ proposals have the support of Ashley Moody, Florida’s attorney general, and Mark Glass, the state’s commissioner of law enforcement.
One America
Although he has yet to announce his intentions, DeSantis is expected to be a candidate for the GOP nomination for president in 2024 with his concerns about Big Tech among his top issues.
The Gazette

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The Spin

Republican narrative

DeSantis is standing up for his citizens’ fundamental rights and cracking down on Big Tech. Social media shouldn’t be able to stifle debate, and any actions that counter the sites’ claims that they’re open forums should be considered fraud.

Epoch Times

Democratic narrative

On the heels of his floating of several other far-right policy proposals, DeSantis is throwing more red meat to potential supporters to strengthen his hold on their votes ahead of him inevitably announcing his bid for the GOP presidential nomination. Like his past attempts to regulate social media, these proposals will get tied up in the courts.