Otherwise Objectionable Episode 3: Law and Disorder
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Mar 26, 2025 Chris Cox, a former congressman who worked on Section 230, and lawyer Jake Szymanski, known for his role in the Stratton Oakmont case, dive deep into the internet's evolution. They discuss the landmark legal battles that shaped online speech, revealing how the early internet confronted defamation and libel issues. The duo highlights the bipartisan collaboration that led to Section 230, emphasizing its role in protecting platforms from legal repercussions while fostering responsible content moderation. Get a fresh perspective on the digital landscape!
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The Green Card Incident
- In 1994, lawyers Lawrence Cantor and Martha Siegel spammed Usenet with green card lottery ads.
- This is considered the first mass spamming of the internet, leading to a war on spam.
Early Internet Moderation Struggles
- Early internet platforms struggled with content moderation due to lack of regulations.
- The Cubby v. CompuServe case set a precedent by comparing CompuServe to a newsstand.
Genesis of Section 230
- Chris Cox, inspired by the lack of internet regulation, drafted the beginnings of Section 230 on a legal pad during a plane ride.
- He recognized the need for bipartisan support and collaborated with Ron Wyden.