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Florida Legislature Approves Rule For Online Music And Movie Vendors

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A bill that targets Internet businesses that sell music or movies is going to Gov. Rick Scott’s desk.

The "True Origin of Digital Goods Act" is billed as a consumer protection law. It requires website operators that sell music and videos to provide their real names and contact information.

Opponents say the state is trying to regulate the Internet. But Representative Erik Fresen (R-Miami) says the people selling the goods just have to identify themselves.

“It’s a simple matter of consumer protection and identification that happens in every other format that is simply not happening in certain areas on the Internet for people that are violating consumers and violating the copyrights of something that belongs to somebody else,” Fresen argued.

Representative Jeanette Nuñez (R-Miami) is one of the bill sponsors. She says the federal Department of Homeland Security has raised a red flag about businesses that don’t provide contact information.

“This is specific to a commercial website doing business with your constituents and my constituents, making sure that they’re not praying upon them, selling them illegal movies or music," Nuñez told the House, "and also perhaps preying on their credit card information, identity fraud, and things of that nature.”

Internet giants like Google and Yahoo oppose the bill. They’re concerned about being forced to take down sites that aren't compliant with Florida law. Opponents also say the bill is confusing and could open the state up to lawsuits.

Representative Jimmie Smith (R-Inverness) voted against it. 

“If you have a website, the bill is not specific to Florida," Smith told the House. "We, as a state, have no authority to regulate the Internet as an entirety.”

The bill becomes law July 1 unless Gov. Scott vetoes it.

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