Florida bill would require foreign social media companies disclose information to state users

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism unanimously favored a bill 5-0 on Tuesday requiring foreign social media companies operating in the state to disclose their information to users.

Rep. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, filed SB 1448.

“SB 1448 creates transparency and an equal playing field with requirements for foreign adversary owned entities,” Gruters said to the committee. “This bill will address the misinformation and blatant propaganda from foreign adversaries to influence users of all ages while protecting their privacy.”

Under the proposal, foreign adversaries while operating in Florida are required to disclose their social media platforms, content creation, and algorithims. Those factors, according to Gruters, influence content ranking, misinformation, and harmful content.

“The source code of its algorithm will be made publicly available and implements a user verification system for each user and organization that purchases political or social advertisements,” Gruters said.

According to the bill, any penalties would be enforced through The Department of Legal Affairs.

Rep. Randy Fine, R-Palm Bay, filed an identical bill to SB 1448.

SB 1448 now moves to the Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice for approval. It will take effect if fully passed on July 1.