Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced that technology giants such as Facebook, Twitter and Google will face penalties if they, among others, violate Floridians’ privacy and interfere with citizens’ access to candidates during elections.
The Republican governor criticized the tech companies for manipulating news and censoring certain individuals while detailing the harsh penalties of the new legislation during a press conference at the Florida Capitol on Tuesday (Feb. 2).
“Floridians should be guaranteed the privacy of their data and personal information, free to access and participate in online platforms, and free to participate in elections without interference from big tech companies.” DeSantis said.
He said that over the years “these platforms have shifted from being neutral platforms that allow Americans to speak freely to law enforcement that prefers a particular narrative. As a result, these platforms have played an increasingly decisive role in elections and have had a negative impact on Americans who don’t share the big tech conglomerate vision.”
DeSantis alluded to tech giants “moderating” news against President Biden, banning prominent conservatives, including President Trump, from using Twitter and Facebook, and removing the Parler social media platform from Amazon’s servers.
“When 2.8 million Americans choose to download the App Parler and share information with friends, Family and colleagues, the result? Cancelled by Amazon, Google and Apple.” DeSantis said.
DeSantis called for an open, robust debate on issues affecting Americans, rather than the thorough review currently being conducted by large technology companies. The governor said companies are discriminating against citizens when they change rules to suit their needs without warning or consistency.
Under the Florida Legislature’s new measure, tech companies that restrict a candidate’s access to the platform during an election will face fines of $100,000 per day until the candidate regains access to the platform.
If a tech company promotes a candidate and opposes another candidate, the free promotion would be recorded by the Florida Election Commission as a political campaign contribution.
The bill would also authorize the Florida attorney general to take action against a big tech company under Florida’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act if the company violates the new policies set forth in the bill.
Technology companies must notify users in advance of which rules have been changed and apply the rules consistently before closing their accounts.
“Finally, (if) a tech company uses their content and user-related algorithms to suppress or prioritize access to any political candidate or any content related to voting, the business will also face daily fines.” DeSantis added.
Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls (R) said, “Passage of our proposal will bring what I call the five dark families, into the sunlight, namely: Facebook, Twitter, Google, Amazon and Apple.”
He added, “The days of these businesses being unchecked in Florida are over.”
“They have access to private information and the ability to exert control over an individual’s freedom of speech,” Sproles said, “and we are breaking through barriers that will finally stop their convoluted and inconsistent standards for censoring content, banning speech and de-platforming in all areas. “
Twitter, Facebook and Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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