I am writing to you as a constituent to express my concerns and opposition to the RESTRICT Act (S.686), a bill currently under consideration in Congress. While I understand the importance of national security, I am troubled by the implications of this bill on internet freedom and privacy.
The RESTRICT Act, while aiming to protect Americans from security threats posed by foreign apps and websites, employs language that is worryingly broad and vague. This bill grants the President expansive powers to ban any app deemed a "security risk," without clear criteria or limitations. Such authority is susceptible to misuse, especially in a political climate where using governmental powers to target opponents has become alarmingly common.
Additionally, the likely consequence of this legislation is the banning of popular social media platforms like TikTok, based on concerns over data harvesting by foreign governments, notably China. However, it's important to recognize that the type of data collected by these apps is commonly traded by data brokers and is not uniquely sensitive or exclusive to such platforms. Banning TikTok or similar apps would do little to mitigate the broader issue of data privacy and security.
I believe that the RESTRICT Act, in its current form, poses a significant threat to the principles of a free and open internet. It could set a dangerous precedent for government overreach into digital spaces, impacting not just national security concerns but also the privacy and freedom of American internet users.
Therefore, I urge you to oppose the RESTRICT Act. It is essential to strike a balance between safeguarding national security and preserving the fundamental values of internet freedom and user privacy. As your constituent, I trust that you will consider these concerns and take a stand for a free, fair, and secure internet.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to your response and hope to see your support for protecting the digital rights of all Americans.
