Section 230, Explained

As a user of the internet, you most likely use one or more internet platforms to read the news, share status updates, or connect with your friends and acquaintances. But what made it possible in the first place?

A small part of the Communications Decency Act, called Section 230, is a short clause that enables free speech on the internet today.

Section 230 says, “No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider.” It means that online outlets can host many kinds of content, and they would not be the legal owner of the content.

This sentence allowed big tech organizations like Wikipedia, Twitter, Facebook, and many more to exist. However, Section 230 also creates an opportunity for people from all walks of life to join the conversation on the net and start movements, build businesses, and exchange opinions.

Nevertheless, members of the right and the left have joined the call to repeal Section 230.

In this video, you will learn how Section 230 enables free speech, and why there is a movement against it. We spoke with Jennifer Huddleston, Director of Technology and Innovation Policy at the American Action Forum, who is a specialist in the topic. Special thanks to Ashkhen Kazaryan.