Some 250 million Americans have profiles
on social media, or about 4 out of every 5
people. Facebook and Twitter are ubiquitous
in the lives of ordinary people. Those with
substantial followings — including elected
officials, celebrities and other public figures
— have a platform at their disposal to amplify
their messaging.
Conservatives have long accused social media
companies and other tech giants of harboring
bias against conservatives. Republicans in other
states are considering similar bills meant to push
back against social media giants who they deem
as unfriendly to conservatives.
“Florida is taking back the virtual public square
as a place where information and ideas can
flow freely. We’re demanding transparency from
the big tech giants,” state House Speaker Chris
Sprowls said.
But the moves by Florida lawmakers may end
up being mere political theater because it’s
uncertain if the state would have the authority
to act on companies with such extensive
national and global reach. The president of the
Florida Senate suggested the proper venue for
such an undertaking was the U.S. Congress.
“The big tech companies have the duty to
allow differing views on their public platforms.
No one should be excluded. But let’s be clear:
They are targeting conservatives,” Senate
President Wilton Simpson said. He said it
amounts to political censorship.
“There’s not much we can do as a state. But
we need Congress to act on a nationwide basis,”
he said.