
Otherwise Objectionable
The true story of the most misunderstood law on the internet. Tech journalist Mike Masnick brings you inside the making of Section 230 of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, featuring witnesses to Silicon Valley’s Wild West era, the Congressmen who wrote the law, and innovators who benefited from its balance of freedom and responsibility. Why do so many people hate this law, how does the rest of the world deal with these issues, and how can it be used to take on new challenges like A.I.? Listen to find out.Otherwise Objectionable is executive produced by Bilander Media.
Latest episodes

13 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 42min
Episode 8: Prescriptions to Save the Internet
Join Jessica Melugin, a technology and innovation director at CEI, Dave Willner, a trust and safety guru, and writer Charles C.W. Cooke as they dive into the complexities of Section 230. They debunk myths surrounding this vital law, emphasizing its role in online governance. The discussion pivots to the challenges of content moderation amid emerging AI technologies. They propose a balanced regulatory approach to foster innovation while ensuring accountability in digital communication. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of internet safety!

Apr 23, 2025 • 31min
Episode 7: The Future of Speech Online
The rise of A.I. has ushered in a new era for the internet, right when Section 230 and its protections have never been more threatened. Today’s innovators look to the past for guidance.

6 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 24min
Episode 6: The Rest of the World
Anupam Chander, a law professor at Georgetown, is an expert on global internet regulation. He dives into how the web's growth is shaping politics and speech worldwide. The conversation sheds light on Brazil's user-centric regulatory approach versus South Korea's balanced system. Chander discusses the complexities of online speech laws like Section 230 and the potential dangers of internet regulations, particularly concerning anonymity for vulnerable populations. The episode also highlights the influence of U.S. tech laws on international policies.

8 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 30min
Episode 5: Blowback, and the Dust Settles
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.

8 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 25min
Episode 4: The Solution
Join former Nebraska Senator James Exxon, known for his pivotal role in regulating online pornography, and Ron Wyden, a key architect of Section 230. They delve into the fierce debates of the 90s around internet regulation and child safety. Topics include the intricate balance between protecting minors and preserving free speech. Exxon shares insights on the challenges of the Communications Decency Act, while Wyden discusses the evolution of Section 230 and its impact on modern internet discourse. Their perspectives reveal a critical clash between censorship and empowerment.

8 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 29min
Episode 3: Law and Disorder
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!

10 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 26min
Episode 2: The Dawn of the Internet
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.

14 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 41min
Episode 1: The Most Misunderstood Law on the Internet
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.

Feb 25, 2025 • 2min
Introducing Otherwise Objectionable
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.
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