The Daily

A Ruling That Could End the Internet as We Know It

Feb 23, 2023

Adam Liptak, Supreme Court correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the pressing legal battle of Gonzalez v. Google, focusing on the potential overhaul of Section 230, which currently shields tech companies from liability for user content. He explains how a family's lawsuit following a tragic attack could reshape accountability for online platforms. The discussion spotlights the implications of algorithm-driven content recommendations and the delicate balance between innovation and responsibility in the digital landscape.

28:04

Creator website

Episode guests

Adam Liptak

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

The Limits of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act

01:39

Section 230 origin

01:36

YouTube's Algorithms and the First Amendment

01:32

Intro

2min

The Legal Boundaries of Internet Accountability

2min

The Legal Landmines of Early Internet Service

2min

The Complex Legacy of Section 230 and Internet Accountability

3min

Navigating Legal Challenges of Content Recommendations

5min

Algorithms and Legal Liability: Navigating Section 230

15min

Since 1996, the modern internet has been defined by a sweeping law that prevents tech companies such as Facebook and Google from being held responsible for the content posted on their sites.

This week, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could take that legal immunity away.

Guest: Adam Liptak, who covers the Supreme Court for The New York Times.

Background reading:

The decision on website immunity has the potential to alter the very structure of the internet.
Lawmakers are targeting big tech “amplification.” What does that mean?

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.