Section 230 Of The US’ Communications Decency Act

Section 230 Of The US’ Communications Decency Act

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – International Relations & GS-III – Sci & Tech

In news 

• Soon after a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the US Capitol last week, his social media accounts were suspended by Big Tech companies like Twitter and Facebook for his alleged role in inciting violence and spreading misinformation.

Key takeaways 

• The incident spurred a renewed debate about Section 230 of the US’ Communications Decency Act. 
• The Act is a controversial piece of internet legislation. 
• It permits these tech companies to use their powers and ban the president in the first place.
• The Act was passed in 1996. 
• It provides legal immunity to internet companies for content that is shared on their websites. 
• The act was first introduced to regulate pornography online. 
• Section 230 is an amendment to the act, which holds users responsible for their comments and posts online.
• Also, according to the Act, online companies, including social media platforms, are not liable for the content shared on their website by its users. 
• So if a user posts something illegal on the website, the company is protected from lawsuits.

Do you know? 

Why Section 230 is widely criticised?

• It was passed before social media existed in its present form. 
• Political leaders and internet activists have long called for the law to be updated.

Related articles:

• US Capitol Violence: Click here