A bill advancing in the Florida Legislature’s upper chamber is causing controversy among media outlets. The bill, SB 752, would require media outlets to remove false, defamatory, or outdated reports from their websites. Proponents argue that it is a necessary update to legal standards in the age of the internet, while critics fear it would erode First Amendment protections.
Under the bill, news publications or broadcast stations would have to delete any report containing false or defamatory information if deemed necessary. Failure to do so could result in the loss of legal protections in defamation lawsuits. The bill also includes provisions to revise the statute of limitations for legal action related to online reports.
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Corey Simon, argues that the legislation is needed to protect individuals from reputational harm caused by outdated or inaccurate reporting. However, critics, including some lawmakers and legal experts, believe the bill goes too far and could have negative implications for free speech and press freedom.
Despite the controversy, the bill has advanced in the Senate Judiciary Committee with an 8-2 vote. It will now move to the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee for further review. A similar bill, HB 667, is also in the works in the House. The future of the legislation remains uncertain, as concerns about its potential impact on media freedom and free speech continue to be debated.
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