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ARTICLE · 12 APRIL 2021

Section 230 A Focus Of Criticism, Reform Proposals

Jones Day
Jones Day
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Section 230 gives providers of technology companies two important liability protections.

United StatesTechnology
Bruce Olcott
Bruce Olcott
Donald McGahn II
Donald McGahn II
Schuyler J. Schouten
Schuyler J. Schouten
Brett A. Shumate
Brett A. Shumate
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In Short

The Situation: Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 gives technology companies immunity from liability for content hosted on their networks while recognizing their ability to restrict content they deem inappropriate.

The Result: As lawmakers weigh the lessons of recent elections and the role of technology companies in transmitting political speech and reported misinformation, Section 230 is the subject of intense criticism and possible reform in Washington, D.C.

Looking Ahead: Washington lawmakers are pressing Section 230 reform proposals that could impact the liability protections afforded to technology companies, while seeking to preserve the ability of those companies to host the open and free-flowing discussions that are essential to the democratic process.

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