We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens who oppose the passing of the RESTRICT Act (S. 686) due to its potential overreach into our digital privacy and freedom. While the bill aims to address national security risks, its vague language and sweeping powers pose a significant threat to the rights of American citizens, particularly in terms of digital surveillance, freedom of expression, and access to information.

Why We Oppose the RESTRICT Act:

1. Broad and Vague Powers:
The RESTRICT Act grants the government broad authority to monitor and restrict digital communication technologies that it deems a threat. However, the bill’s vague definitions could allow the government to overreach, potentially targeting platforms and apps that are not real security threats.

2. Threat to Digital Privacy:
Many are concerned that the Act could lead to increased surveillance of American citizens' social media accounts and online activities, especially those using foreign-owned platforms like TikTok. The lack of clear restrictions on how these powers could be used leaves room for misuse or abuse.

3. Criminal Penalties for Evasion:
The Act imposes harsh penalties, including fines of up to $1 million and prison sentences of up to 20 years, for individuals who attempt to bypass these restrictions. This could lead to a chilling effect on digital communication, innovation, and free speech.

4. Potential for Government Overreach:
In the wrong hands, the broad powers granted by this bill could be used to unfairly target individuals, organizations, or platforms based on subjective determinations of "national security threats." This opens the door for abuse by future administrations or corrupt officials.

What We Want:

We urge Congress to either:

1. Reject the RESTRICT Act in its current form.

2. Revise the bill with more precise language and protections to prevent government overreach and ensure that the rights of American citizens are safeguarded.

We believe that national security is important, but it should not come at the cost of our fundamental freedoms. We call on our elected representatives to stand up for digital privacy and ensure that any legislation aimed at protecting the U.S. from foreign threats does not infringe on the constitutional rights of its citizens.

Sign this petition to demand that Congress reject or amend the RESTRICT Act to protect our privacy, free speech, and digital rights!