A representative for WiMKiN explains why, if passed, the Act could be a big problem for those that believe in free speech.
For the past month, the government has been slowing working on a new bill called the RESTRICT Act, one that would enable it to ban one of the biggest social media companies in the world, TikTok. But it would do a lot more damage than that on the social media front.
If passed, the act would enable the Secretary of Commerce and Director of National Intelligence the power to label any foreign group or individual, particularly those that have “associations” with a foreign adversary, as a “threat.” As a result, this would act against their “national interest” and grant them full discretion to ban software and apps from these nations – even if the app itself isn’t doing any general harm.
While the government clearly put this together to affect TikTok specifically, it could hurt social media as a whole. This is due to the use of VPNs being banned from utilizing foreign apps, and also allows Federal agents to access online data without a warrant.
What’s more, if passed, the Freedom of Information act and congressional oversight, which usually protects a great deal of social media users, would not apply to the RESTRICT Act. Not to mention if there were any violations, they would be tried exclusively in DC Appeals Court, which many consider one of the most partisan and politically based courts in the world.
So what would happen to social media sites as a result? Facebook and Instagram would no doubt see changes, and new sites would struggle as well. Entering this mix is WiMKiN, a site founded by Jason Sheppard that has worked a great deal on preserving the rights of free speech. It currently has nearly nine million members, and continues to add features on a regular basis.
Here to discuss the potential impact of the RESTRICT Act is either Kevin Jackson, who is owner of The Kevin Jackson Network and now WimKiN’s vice president of content management; or Jason Sheppard, the founder of WiMKiN. They are greatly concerned about what could happen to social media in the months ahead.
Q&A:
- What would you say is the biggest concern when it comes to what the government is setting up with the RESTRICT Act? Being able to spy on any and all posts made online? Limiting usage of apps from overseas? Or a combination of the two?
- How much of a dent in freedom of speech could the RESTRICT Act leave if passed? We know TikTok would be affected, but what about other sites?
- Do you think there would be heavy backlash against the RESTRICT Act if passed, particularly with those that argue that free speech is a right for all Americans, per the Constitution?
- Tell us more about WiMKiN, the site that Jason founded and you recently joined up with. What kind of features stand out over other social media network sites?
- Is WiMKiN prepared to fight the RESTRICT Act tooth and nail, just as he’s done with other regulations in the past to keep the site fully “free” for users?
- Where can users download the WiMKiN app?
It’s available for download here on the App Store, and is also available on Google Play. For those that prefer to use it on desktop, you can simply visit this page.
7. Finally, where can people register for WiMKiN and learn more about what it has to offer?
The more information on the website, including a variety of sections to visit, including Live Videos, Groups, Music, Videos and more!
About Kevin Jackson…
Kevin Jackson is an entrepreneur, author, consultant and former media commentator based in Gilbert, Arizona. He previously worked as a contributor for Fox News and is the best-selling author of The BIG Black Lie: How I Learned the Truth About the Democrat Party. Along with running his own website at The Kevin Jackson Network, Jackson is Vice President of Content Management at WiMKiN, helping them continue their growth across the social media realm.
About Jason Sheppard…
Jason Sheppard is the founder of WiMKiN, a new social media network that has seen nearly nine million members since its launch in August 2020. It continuously sees new features and media added, and continues to thrive as one of the truly “free” social media networks. Sheppard is also founder of DreamTeam Development, LLC, as well as platforms such as Reelster, Truthleak and Friendser. It’s certainly a change from his previous work in finance and health care administration, but one that has helped him find a bold new direction when it comes to all things free speech.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at 919-437-0001, or geraldmcg@outlook.com.
