Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) proposed critical legislation to stop Big Tech censorship. Congressman Paul Gosar (R-AZ) and influencers warned, however, that his legislation needed some critical improvements.
The Transparency In Technology Act, or HB 7013, made waves when it was first put forth by DeSantis in February. Gosar responded to the bill in April via Facebook by explaining: “Governor Desantis asked for a true #BigTech reform bill in Florida. This article shows he may not get it if things don't change. Let’s get it together and do real reform.” In the post, he shared an article from The Floridian that shows all manner of conservative leaders warning DeSantis he must change the bill immediately:
“After the bill was filed, major concerns regarding the bill’s effectiveness were raised by some leading Conservative influencers and thought leaders on cancel culture, who are watching this bill closely, including, Congressman Paul Gosar, Conservative author Michelle Malkin, Congressional candidate Laura Loomer, Republican strategist Karen Giorno, Adam Candeub, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information under the Trump administration, and multiple conservative and tech media outlets, including Breitbart News.”
Conservative firebrand Laura Loomer, who was famously censored by multiple Big Tech companies and reportedly even Xfinity Comcast, posted a blog on her website: “CALL TO ACTION: Tell Governor DeSantis To Pass The FL Big Tech Bill WITH Amendments.” She explained that while DeSantis and his allies have good goals, their strategy needs work:
“We URGE Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida legislature to adopt critical amendments to ensure that Big Tech is held accountable if they target and deplatform candidates, elected officials, and Florida residents who support conservative values and free speech. The language must also include penalties for payment processors, banks, all social media sites, and tech companies, telecommunication companies, and internet service providers that discriminate against Floridians and censor them on the basis of their political affiliation, so that we can send a strong message to Big Tech.”
She included an urgent call to action straight out of the MRC playbook:
“Please call Governor DeSantis’s legislative affairs office at (850) 488-5000 and urge them to support these critical amendments proposed on the ‘Big Tech Bills[,]’ and let’s save our great state and protect our elections.”
Her activist strategy is reportedly working. “DeSantis’ executive office has been inundated with phone calls stemming from the call to action,” The Floridian claimed. The article highlighted how the stakes are higher now than ever: “The impending censorship of Governor Desantis isn’t a prediction. Just this week, YouTube deleted his COVID-19 panel discussion with doctors.”
Conservatives are under attack! Call Governor DeSantis’s legislative affairs office at (850) 488-5000 and urge them to support critical amendments to broaden the bill and make sure it addresses all the ways Big Tech censors conservatives, including financial blacklisting. If you have been censored, contact us at the Media Research Center contact form, and help us hold Big Tech accountable.
