1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

The proposed SCREEN Act aims to protect children from accessing harmful online content, but it raises significant privacy and free speech concerns that must be addressed. This bill would mandate online platforms to implement age verification systems, collecting and retaining users' sensitive personal data like government IDs or biometrics. Such widespread data collection heightens risks of surveillance overreach and makes Americans vulnerable to data breaches and hacking. Furthermore, the legislation could violate First Amendment rights by restricting adults' access to lawful content under the guise of protecting minors. The Supreme Court has previously struck down similar measures that infringed on free speech protections. While shielding children from inappropriate material is a laudable goal, the SCREEN Act's approach is misguided and counterproductive. It threatens individual privacy, enables unchecked government surveillance, and jeopardizes constitutional freedoms. Instead of this heavy-handed legislation, resources should be directed towards empowering parents with tools and education to monitor and control their children's online activities responsibly. The answer lies in promoting digital literacy, not in sweeping data collection that compromises civil liberties. I urge you to oppose the SCREEN Act and explore alternative solutions that uphold both child safety and fundamental rights to privacy and free expression. Protecting our children should not come at the cost of undermining essential American values.