Techdirt
Regulating Speech In An Age Of Fake News
Nov 20, 2024
Marshall Van Alstyne is a Boston University professor specializing in digital platforms, while Nadine Strossen, a law professor at NYU and former ACLU president, focuses on civil liberties. They discuss the pivotal role of Section 230 in balancing free speech with accountability for online content, the challenges of misinformation, and the hope for decentralized platforms to empower users. The conversation also critiques societal scapegoating of technology for crises and emphasizes the need for legal reforms to enhance user rights in the digital realm.
45:02
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Quick takeaways
- Section 230 serves as a crucial legal framework that allows internet platforms to facilitate diverse user interactions without facing liability for user-generated content.
- Decentralization is gaining attention as a potential solution to counteract the concentration of power in tech giants, enabling users to better manage their data and interactions.
Deep dives
Understanding Section 230
Section 230 is a pivotal law that protects internet platforms from liability for user-generated content. Enacted in 1996, it distinguishes platforms from traditional publishers, allowing them editorial rights without fear of liability for the content shared by users. The original intent was to encourage the growth of the internet by reducing the need for excessive content moderation, thereby ensuring that platforms could foster diverse user interactions. This foundational legislation has contributed significantly to the unbounded speech and exchange of ideas online, promoting a more inclusive digital environment.
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