During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on enhancing measures to combat overseas criminal activities, particularly those targeting vulnerable populations, including children. Chairman Doergett emphasized the need for innovative strategies to address the challenges posed by perpetrators operating from abroad, particularly in relation to scams and harassment calls.
One significant point raised was the prevalence of fraudulent schemes, such as scams involving false claims about incarcerated children, which often require victims to send money via prepaid cards. The chairman expressed a commitment to exploring mechanisms that could effectively tackle these issues.
Additionally, advancements in technology were highlighted, particularly the recent updates from major cell phone manufacturers that include features to recognize and prevent the sharing of inappropriate content involving minors. The chairman advocated for social media companies to adopt similar technologies to curb the dissemination of harmful material on their platforms, where many of these crimes are reportedly occurring.
The meeting also suggested a collaborative effort between the committees on criminal justice and education to invite representatives from social media companies to Tennessee. This initiative aims to hold these companies accountable and gain insights into their operations, especially regarding data privacy and the protection of children.
Representative Bayes pointed out the financial implications of these tech companies, noting that they currently pay no taxes on the data they collect, raising concerns about accountability and responsibility in safeguarding user information.
The meeting concluded with a motion to advance the discussed bill, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing these pressing issues within the community.