The proposed bill intends to address national security concerns posed by disinformation from foreign adversaries such as Russia and China. The legislation calls for federal funding to support programs that develop media literacy, helping students to not just consume media but engage actively and responsibly in the digital space. Moreover, it also aims to enhance the overall educational curriculum by integrating media literacy into existing subjects, promoting a more informed and critical-thinking populace.
Summary
House Bill 9584, titled the Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy Act, aims to enhance media literacy among students from kindergarten through grade 12. The legislation recognizes the increasing reliance on media for decision-making and seeks to equip young citizens with the skills necessary to navigate digital information responsibly. This includes the ability to critically analyze information, discern disinformation, and understand the implications of their digital interactions.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 9584 may arise with regard to its implementation and the potential federal oversight of educational curricula. Critics might express concerns about the effectiveness of state agencies in executing these programs and the potential for political biases in the media literacy content taught. Proponents, however, argue that such education is crucial in cultivating informed citizens capable of resisting misinformation and understanding complex media landscapes.
A resolution countering disinformation, propaganda, and misinformation in Latin America and the Caribbean, and calling for multi-stakeholder efforts to address the significant detrimental effects that the rise in disinformation, propaganda, and misinformation in regional information environments has on democratic governance, human rights, and United States national interests.