Section 230 Net Neutrality

Section 230 is a provision of the 1996 communications decency act.

Section 230 net neutrality. Net neutrality section 230 and the fight for control of the internet. It makes sure google facebook twitter etc largely can t be held responsible for netizen generated content and is a cornerstone of the internet as we know it today. And as the net neutrality debate soldiers on as it surely will the section 230 debate and the broader tech scrutiny underway should serve as a reminder of where the power to control access to content websites and e services on the internet really resides and the neutrality debate that really matters. Wyden stated in response to potential law changes that section 230 is not about neutrality.

230 a provision of the communication decency act tucked inside the communications decency act cda of 1996 is one of the most valuable tools for protecting freedom of expression and innovation on the internet. Trying to legislate such a neutrality requirement for online platforms besides being unworkable would be unconstitutional under the first amendment. Under certain circumstances section 230 provides websites including social media companies that host or moderate content generated by others with immunity from liability. Last week fcc chairman ajit pai announced his intent to move forward with a rulemaking to interpret section 230 of the communications act of 1934.

Legal experts have criticized the republicans push to make section 230 encompass platform neutrality. It s foolish to suggest that web platforms should lose their section 230 protections for failing to align their moderation policies to an imaginary standard of political neutrality. Section 230 is not about neutrality. 230 is all about letting private companies make their own decisions to leave up some content and take other content down.

While pai has pushed a deregulatory agenda just look at all of his statements about the net neutrality repeal it seems like an about face to now wade into section 230 regulations. 230 is all about letting private companies make their own decisions to leave up some content and take other content down. This comes somewhat as a surprise since the original purpose of the legislation was to restrict free speech on the internet.