The House Committee on Energy & Commerce, Subcommittee on Communications & Technology is set to hold a hearing on Wednesday to discuss the potential sunsetting of a law that has been pivotal in shaping the open internet as we know it today. Passed by Congress over two decades ago, Section 230, as it is commonly known, grants digital services the ability to moderate user content in response to online misconduct or for child protection.
There are ongoing debates regarding whether content moderation should be more flexible or stringent. However, these disagreements underscore the significance of preserving Section 230's protections. Content moderation decisions play a crucial role in maintaining safe online communities and a complete repeal of this law could have detrimental effects.
CCIA President and CEO Matt Schruers shared his thoughts on the matter: “When policymakers cannot agree on whether companies are too aggressive or not aggressive enough when enforcing terms of service online, the solution is not to sunset the law that enables trust and safety professionals to protect users. We would like to see this hearing develop a better understanding of how Section 230 allows digital services to address dangerous content and content online."
Schruers further warned about the potential consequences of eliminating Section 230: "In the absence of Section 230, online communities will become more dangerous and less trustworthy, which neither users nor advertisers want.”
