Google 230 – Google’s Section 230 Court Case
Social media regulations are one of the most heavily debated topics in the United States. It’s clear the Founding Fathers had no clue something like social media would exist, and this has created many conflicts. Back in 1996, in order to adapt and regulate the growing presence of the internet, Section 230 was implemented as part of the Communications Decency Act. This protects social media and internet businesses from litigation regarding third-party content on their websites, meaning that if someone were to post dangerous content the company wouldn’t be legally liable.
Section 230 has angered both sides of the political spectrum due to the spread of misinformation, the censorship of political ideologies, and the rise in harmful content for children on social media. Social media has been able to walk freely in the past decade as a result of Section 230, but that is now being addressed in the Supreme Court. Gonzalez v. Google is a case surrounding the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks, where Nohemi Gonzales’ family argues that YouTube failed to take down ISIS videos and recommended them, arguing that Section 230 should not protect them from those actions. Advocates argue that changes in social media immunity laws are necessary to reduce the power of companies, but the difference between supporting groups highlights a difference itself. Both sides of the political spectrum agree something needs to be done, but disagree on the solution. Internet companies have come together to oppose new laws governing the internet, arguing that it would remove the protections that Congress intended to place back in 1996 and place heavy limits on the businesses. This gives the Supreme Court a major decision to make, although the Biden administration is unsure as to how they would even implement changes without overstepping in other areas.
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I am not a financial advisor and my comments should never be taken as financial advice. Investments come with risk, so always do your research and analysis beforehand.
