South Florida Residents React to DeSantis’ Digital Bill of Rights Proposal

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Florida. Wednesday’s announcement of a “Digital Bill of Rights” proposed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis sparked discussion about cybersecurity and its implications for the public.

The plan targets social media and Internet search companies, which the governor called “big tech surveillance,” including control of personal data. DeSantis performed at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach.

“We all have privacy and I don’t think anyone should interfere with it,” said Vincent Smith of West Palm Beach.

For local students like Isabella Greer, defense is everything.

“I think it could be really good, but I think it’s scary that there’s so much power in technology. I think it’s important to be able to choose what you want the government or certain apps to know,” Greer said. “I make sure apps don’t track me and stuff. It’s weird, especially apps that don’t need to track you or know your location or anything like that.”

The bill will also give people the right to control their personal data.

“The government should be protecting everyone and I think it’s a bit aggressive when they know all your information about what you think and what you do,” Greer said.

DeSantis said he wants consumers to make their own decisions about what information is collected and shared by digital companies.

“How important is privacy to you?” asked WPTV reporter Joel Lopez.

“That’s the most important thing in my life because privacy comes with trust, you know?” Smith said.

Smith says he stays away from social media and is cautiously optimistic about the future this bill could bring.

“You know that I want to trust the government, but at the same time I don’t. But it’s just that I’m being honest, I don’t want to lie out of my mouth,” Smith said.