TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In a bold move to address the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a proposed “Citizens Bill of Rights for Artificial Intelligence” on December 4, 2025, aiming to protect consumers from potential harms while curbing unchecked tech expansion.
The initiative, announced during a press conference, seeks to establish safeguards for data privacy, family protections, and economic fairness as AI integrates into daily life.
The bill outlines key consumer protections, including bans on deepfakes and explicit AI-generated content, especially involving minors. It prohibits AI from using an individual’s name, image, or likeness without consent, particularly in political ads or fraud. Companies must notify users when interacting with AI chatbots, and AI is barred from providing licensed therapy or mental health counseling to prevent misuse. Parental controls are a cornerstone, allowing guardians to monitor minors’ AI interactions, set access limits, and receive alerts for risky behavior. Data privacy is emphasized, with requirements to secure inputs and prohibit selling or sharing personal information, even if deidentified.
Government regulations include forbidding state agencies from using Chinese-created AI tools like DeepSeek to protect data security. In insurance, AI cannot solely decide claims denials, with mandatory disclosures for regulatory oversight.
A separate focus targets hyperscale data centers, banning taxpayer subsidies and preventing utility rate hikes for residents to fund them. Local governments gain power to block construction, with restrictions on foreign-owned builds and environmental safeguards like noise abatement and water protection. -WAA
