In an exclusive interview with The Floridian, former Florida Sen. Democratic Leader Lauren Book discussed strengthening digital tools to protect children from online predators and scammers amid the growing threat of Artificial Intelligence (AI), if elected to Senate District 30.
"I mean, it's absolutely something I worked on when I was there. Certainly, a federal issue. Obviously, very complicated. I think you can work with our federal partners," Book said.
While the Florida Senate passed an AI Bill of Rights bill during the 2026 legislative session, the measure was not approved by the House, despite Republicans having supermajorities in both chambers. The House, led by Speaker Daniel "Danny" Perez (R-Miami), declined to take up the bill, calling it a federal issue.
Book, who served as Leader from 2021-2024, could bring a new viewpoint on the issue if elected. Book's experience included eight years in the Legislature representing part of Broward County in South Florida.
"The governor can do a lot. The White House has done a lot. The First Lady has done a lot in terms of taking it down. But I do think that we could do more as it relates to keeping children safe," Book said, specifically pointing safeguarding teens from scammers.
Book noted scammers have been specifically targeting young boys demanding money.
"There's a new scam that these individuals are going after, particularly young boys 10-11, 12-13, 14-15. They're targeting them. They're going after them. This young boy in particular sent an image. The person said, 'You need to send me $1,000 or I'm going to send it to your mom, send it to your dad, send it to your sister.'"
The "sextortion scam" can lead to teen suicide.
"These things are happening every single day. We're not doing the things that we need to be doing. We're not educating children the ways that we need to be educating them, and we're not giving law enforcement the resources that they need," Book said. "It is like we're sending them into the boxing rink with an MMA fighter, tying their hands and their feet up, and not doing the things that they need to do. It's dangerous. It's wrong."
SD 30 covers Broward and Palm Beach Counties in Florida. Book is looking to replace Sen. Tina Polsky (D-Boca Raton) in the seat following the November election.
