The FCC’s Role In Reforming Section 230

President Trump recently issued an executive order about online speech that requested the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) clarify Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a key law of the digital economy that says Internet companies are not liable for content posted by users. In particular, the executive order calls on the FCC to identify when Internet companies may no longer qualify for the “good faith” provision of the law, such as for removing viewpoints that they oppose. This development comes at a time when a growing number of policymakers have suggested Section 230 should be revised, and there is a raging debate about how social media platforms should moderate user content while fighting disinformation and protecting free speech.

ITIF hosted a discussion about how the FCC may shape the debate about Section 230. FCC Commissioner Starks provided introductory remarks and discussed these issues with ITIF Vice President Daniel Castro. Following this discussion, panelists will offered reactions to the Commissioner’s remarks.