Otherwise Objectionable

The web gets big enough to impact presidential elections. And the rest of the world grapples with speech on the internet.

Randall Bowe, a lawyer who challenged the Communications Decency Act, dives into the turbulent history of internet regulation. He shares riveting tales of the legal battles that upheld free speech online and the implications of Section 230. Bowe also reflects on the chaotic early days of social media giants, discussing user engagement and content moderation challenges. His insights highlight how past rulings transformed the digital landscape and continue to shape interactions on platforms today.

A bill intended to keep smut off the internet threatens to undo everything Representatives Christopher Cox and Ron Wyden have accomplished. How will their compromise play out?

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!

Travel back to the dawn of the internet as we explore the challenges faced by the first message sent over ARPANET. Discover the pivotal moments that sparked the evolution of online forums and the debates over free speech. Delve into the hacker culture at MIT and the ethos of open information that shaped early internet communities. Relive the nostalgia of the 1990s, where playful trolling contrasted sharply with today’s online dynamics. Finally, learn about the legal challenges that arose as user-generated content took center stage.

Rachel Barkley, a public policy advocate and survivor of a rare spinal tumor, shares her powerful journey through medical crisis and recovery, emphasizing the internet's vital role in her support system. Jeff Kossav, a cyber law professor, unveils the intricacies of Section 230, the law that protects online platforms, while Eric Goldman highlights the contentious debates surrounding internet censorship. Together, they explore the balance between free speech and accountability in the digital age, revealing the law's impact on both personal lives and major tech companies.

In 1996, two Congressmen drafted a bill that would give us the internet as we know it. Now Democrats and Republicans want it gone. Follow the true story of the most misunderstood law on the internet starting March 12.