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.
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Section 230 Explained
- Section 230 protects online platforms from liability for user-generated content.
- It allows platforms to moderate content without fear of being sued for what they leave up.
Early Internet Optimism
- Section 230 was passed in a time of optimism about the internet's potential.
- Congress aimed to avoid hindering its growth with premature regulation.
Internet's Evolving Role
- The internet's increased importance has amplified concerns about harmful speech.
- However, Section 230's core principles regarding liability remain relevant.