The Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FSHCC) is disappointed by the passage and signage of SB 7072 – the Transparency in Technology Act – by Governor Ron DeSantis. This legislation forces private companies to allow users to post speech against company guidelines. Under the guise of holding social media companies accountable and preventing them from “de-platforming” candidates for office, SB 7072 is a dangerous step towards a state-run Internet. The FSHCC opposes SB 7072 as it violates businesses’ First Amendment rights and fosters an environment for government to cherry-pick winners and losers online.
“The Transparency in Technology Act compels businesses to host speech that contradicts the terms and agreements to which users agree – which legal and First Amendment experts have claimed is unconstitutional,” said President of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Julio Fuentes. “In the same way that a grocery store can turn customers away for not wearing shoes or shirts in their store, social media companies have the right to turn users away for violating their rules.”
The FSHCC supports businesses’ ability to make decisions for their company. As a resource to Florida’s Hispanic-owned businesses, the FSHCC knows a business thrives best when it, not the government, dictates business operations.
Additionally, FSHCC worries punishing Big Tech for their efforts to foster a positive online experience for all could inherently hurt the businesses that rely on their tools. Florida is a state known for nurturing a positive business environment, but patchwork policies could disincentivize tech companies from doing business in Florida. Especially as 89 percent of Florida small businesses plan to continue using digital tools in their business strategies after the pandemic.
About the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
The Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was founded in 2000 in response to the tremendous growth of Florida’s Hispanic population. It’s partnered with nearly 40 local Hispanic chambers and business associations in the State of Florida. Today, FSHCC is Florida’s only statewide economic development organization dedicated toward Hispanic business owners and is ranked by the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and MBE Connect Magazine as one of the top five Hispanic chambers in the country. Visit www.FSHCC.com.
