1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

The "Protect Tennessee Minors Act" raises serious concerns about online privacy and free expression. Requiring websites to implement age verification methods and retain user data for extended periods is an overreach that threatens Constitutional rights. Placing such stringent regulations on websites risks stifling free speech and access to information. Furthermore, the data retention requirements create privacy risks by compelling websites to collect and store sensitive personal data, making users vulnerable to breaches or misuse. This bill is an attempt to legislate subjective definitions of "harmful" content that could extend far beyond protecting minors. The broad language opens the door to censorship and undermines the open internet. There are less intrusive ways to protect minors online without sacrificing fundamental freedoms for all. I urge reconsideration of this misguided legislation that jeopardizes civil liberties in the digital age. Upholding online privacy and free expression must be prioritized over overreaching, ineffective censorship.