FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 18, 2023 – In response to the reintroduction of the Digital Platform Commission Act by Senators Michael Bennet and Peter Welch, Felipe Benítez, Executive Director & Founder of Corazón Latino, issued the following statement:
“We at Corazón Latino welcome the reintroduction of the Digital Platform Commission Act by Senators Michael Bennet and Peter Welch. This landmark proposal, the first of its kind in the U.S Congress, proposes the establishment of a federal commission to provide comprehensive oversight of digital platforms.
“The widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms underscores the urgency for ethical and responsible regulatory frameworks. At Corazón Latino, we understand that the education, well-being, and future of the communities we serve - and indeed, the future of our Madre Tierra - depend on it. We are acutely aware that these technologies have the potential to either further the cause of environmental justice or exacerbate existing inequalities.
“The proposed legislation rightly underscores the need for an expert federal agency to safeguard the public interest, especially as technology moves at a pace that outstrips current regulatory capabilities. Equitable access to, and use of, AI and digital platforms is a matter of environmental and social justice. We echo the call for tech companies to operate in the public interest.
“The introduction of the Digital Platform Commission Act is a crucial first step toward ensuring the ethical and responsible use of AI. We support this legislative effort and urge the U.S. Congress to prioritize its discussion and passage expeditiously.
“In the spirit of partnership and shared commitment to digital equity, we look forward to engaging with this proposed commission and others, driving the conversation and action toward a more equitable digital future. We believe that by doing so, we can help build a world in which technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.
“Corazón Latino stands ready to contribute to this vital dialogue and supports the swift advancement of this proposed legislation for the benefit of the communities we serve and for our Madre Tierra.”
For more information about Corazón Latino, visit www.corazonlatino.us.
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About Corazón Latino: Corazón Latino is a national non-profit organization that generates social, environmental, and conservation initiatives that foster natural resource stewardship. It is committed to embracing the ONE Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, and empowering diverse and underrepresented populations, particularly within Latino communities, to actively participate in the stewardship of our planet.