Name: What really happens if Republicans get rid of Section 230
Brand: mashable.com
SKU: mashable-com-66
Availability: OnlineOnly

critic

What really happens if Republicans get rid of Section 230

preview

Republicans are crying “censorship” to pressure Facebook, Twitter, and Google to let them spread misinformation. But if they really got rid of Section 230, they’d be dragging everyone else down with them.Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, and Google/Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai appeared remotely before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday for yet another congressional hearing on content moderation and supposed anti-conservative bias.My colleague already outlined how the hearing, held just days before the 2020 presidential elections, . The title of the hearing was “Does Section 230's Sweeping Immunity Enable Big Tech Bad Behavior?” Some conservatives say that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 is the reason why the Big Tech companies can get away with “censoring” their content without facing legal repercussions.That's literally the opposite of what’s going on.Basically, it protects tech companies from legal liability for what their users post on their platforms, with exceptions when it comes to illegal activity such as copyright infringement, sex trafficking, and other federal crimes. It puts the legal liability on the user who posts the content, not the company that hosts it.Without Section 230, Big Tech companies would be more cautious about what’s allowed on their platforms. Some might even abandon user-generated content. Why allow it if the legal threats aren’t worth the trouble?Big Tech companies aren't legally liable for, say, harmful and President Donald Trump’s thanks to Section 230. When they do take down or limit the reach of content, it's their choice — they're not required by law to do so. Section 230 gives companies the ability to moderate as they please. That's why complaints about them violating the First Amendment are meritless. They have a right to not host certain types of content.And it's not just Big Tech that would be affected. Do you have a blog? Without Section 230, you could be held liable for what your readers say in the comments section.Getting rid of Section 230 might lead to the censorship of everyone, in that nobody would be able to share their ideas and opinions on social media. We’ve heard most of what was discussed in Wednesday's hearing before. I’ve covered congressional hearing after congressional hearing where Republicans spend the entire day grilling major tech CEOs on like perceived bias in big tech – despite . The pressure from Republicans has often led to “overcompensation,” as Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz correctly put it, from Silicon Valley. To curry favor with conservatives, will hire Republican operatives and provide a more lenient interpretation of its policies for personalities and organizations on the right.After these congressional hearings on Big Tech, it's often how our elected officials are old, out-of-touch, and . I’ve written about many of these hearings and have made mention of this myself.But, that’s not what’s happening here. Republican lawmakers know what they’re doing.Take Ted Cruz, for example. Earlier today, he was the congressional hearing like a boxing promoter hyping a heavyweight title match. It was Cruz, and ostensibly the conservative base, vs. Twitter, i.e. Big Tech. Big Tech is starting to crack down on right-wing misinformation — although it still spreads pretty easily. If Republicans can't get their way, it seems like they're ready to watch the entire internet go up in flames., , ,Based on new international standards, it's a step in the right direction for national gun reform.09/11/2022ByBritain's new monarch could have become King Philip, Arthur, or George. Here's why he stood by Charles, the least worst option.09/09/2022ByReady, set, shop.09/09/2022By andEverything you need to know about the protocols, rules, and the accession of the British throne.09/08/2022ByThe longest serving British monarch in history.09/08/2022ByWe're ready for that sweet holocake, baby!12 hours agoByIf the iPhone is going to keep creating higher quality photo and video, iCloud storage options need to match.09/11/2022ByChoose between the new Apple Watch 8, the Apple Watch Ultra, or the redesigned SE.09/09/2022ByAre the new upgrades worth it? Maybe.09/09/2022ByTFW a shiny new watch is better than a wank.09/08/2022ByIs 'Wordle' #451 stumping you? Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer.4 hours agoByIs 'Wordle' #450 stumping you? Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer.09/12/2022ByHas the word 'doomsday' lost all meaning?09/11/2022ByRalph is the first Black woman to win in her category in 35 years.3 hours agoByIt's not looking good for Viserys.09/10/2022ByThe biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.By signing up to the Mashable newsletter you agree to receive electronic communicationsfrom Mashable that may sometimes include advertisements or sponsored content.Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!

Republicans are crying “censorship” to pressure Facebook, Twitter, and Google to let them spread misinformation. But if they really got rid of Section 230, they’d be dragging everyone else down with them.Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, and Google/Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai appeared remotely before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday for yet another congressional hearing on content moderation and supposed anti-conservative bias.My colleague already outlined how the hearing, held just days before the 2020 presidential elections, . The title of the hearing was...

public

Journalist // video: http://youtube.com/MattBinder // newsletter: http://misinfo.com // podcast: http://DOOMEDpod.com // @mashable @majorityfm @cafedotcom

What really happens if Republicans get rid of Section 230

No article scores yet.

CRITIC REVIEWS

PUBLIC REVIEWS