Oppose Senate Bill 130: Protect Online Privacy and First Amendment Rights

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Senate Bill 130, which aims to create section 100.76 of the Wisconsin statutes regarding the distribution of certain material on the Internet. As a concerned Wisconsin resident and web technology professional, I urge you to vote against this bill when it comes before the Senate. While the protection of children is a noble goal, SB 130 poses significant risks to privacy and First Amendment rights that far outweigh its potential benefits. The proposed age verification measures would create a dangerous precedent for online surveillance, effectively establishing a "big brother" system that compromises the privacy of all Wisconsin citizens. The bill's potential ban on VPNs is particularly troubling. As a web technology worker, I rely on VPNs for secure and efficient work practices. Restricting this technology would not only hinder my ability to perform my job but also limit the online security options for all Wisconsin residents. It's worth noting the inconsistency in our state's approach to parental authority. Wisconsin trusts parents to make decisions about alcohol consumption for their children in certain contexts, yet this bill suggests we cannot trust those same parents to protect their children online. This contradiction undermines the bill's rationale and ignores the many tools already available to parents for monitoring their children's internet usage. Furthermore, the government should not position itself as a substitute for parental guidance and oversight. Doing so not only infringes on parental rights but also sets a dangerous precedent for government overreach into private family matters. The bill, introduced on March 14, 2025, and currently available for Senate scheduling as of November 12, 2025, has moved quickly through the legislative process. However, speed should not come at the expense of careful consideration of its far-reaching implications. I urge you to prioritize the protection of our constitutional rights and individual privacy. Vote against Senate Bill 130 and instead focus on initiatives that empower parents and protect children without compromising the freedoms and privacy of all Wisconsin citizens. Our state should lead in promoting both child safety and digital rights, not sacrifice one for the illusion of the other.