In its current form, Section 230 allows for a diverse Internet ecosystem, allowing online services to moderate content in a way that best suits their needs and the needs of their users. It is highly unlikely that, in 18 months, Congress will come up with a better solution.

Sunsetting Section 230 Will Make the Internet Worse for Everyone

In a comprehensive review and analysis of the Section 230 issue and the most prominent arguments and proposals that have been put forward, ITIF concludes it is important for reforms to preserve online innovation, encourage content moderation, avoid targeting lawful speech, and maintain a consistent national standard for online intermediary liability.

ITIF Proposes Section 230 Reform That Holds Internet Platforms Responsible for Their Conduct, Not for Users’ Speech

ITIF Proposes Section 230 Reform That Holds Internet Platforms Responsible for Their Conduct, Not for Users' Speech

Section 230 has come under the regulatory microscope as Congress evaluates the impact of harmful online activity like disinformation and the role of online platforms in preventing and addressing this activity. Section 230 continues to be instrumental in enabling innovative online business models that rely on user-generated content and providing companies the liability protection necessary to allow them to moderate user content.

Section 230 Needs Thoughtful Reform, Says ITIF

Repealing or sunsetting Section 230 will make the Internet a worse place, but there is much Congress can do to make the Internet better. Unfortunately, until policymakers understand the reality of Section 230 and how it protects not only large tech companies but any online services that hosts user-generated content, as well as users themselves, Congress will not make meaningful progress on content-related issues.

Debunking Two Big Myths From the Recent Hearing on Sunsetting Section 230

Holding up the NDAA in an effort to kill Section 230 is a terrible idea that politicizes national security at the expense of free speech and innovation in the Internet economy.

Lame Duck Repeal of Section 230 Would Damage Free Speech and Innovation, Says ITIF

Section 230 has been instrumental in shaping the modern Internet and enabling businesses to create countless online sites and services that consumers use daily. Many proposals to eliminate or alter Section 230 would undermine their business models and pose a major setback to free speech and innovation.

Update Section 230 to Better Balance Responsibility, Innovation and Free Speech, Says ITIF

Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act has played a significant role in the development of the Internet. Proposed changes to weaken or repeal it would have a significant economic impact on online services, business users, and consumers.

Analysis of Weakening or Repealing Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act

In the wide-ranging debate over Section 230, there have been calls to keep the law as it is, repeal it entirely, or reform it. The best approach would be for Congress to pass targeted reforms that address specific harms without unduly burdening online services.

Proposals to Reform Section 230

Despite demands from critics, the Supreme Court rightly decided to allow Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to remain in place.

Sunsetting Section 230 Would Harm Platforms, Users, and the Digital Economy

Related

Sunsetting Section 230 Will Make the Internet Worse for Everyone

ITIF Proposes Section 230 Reform That Holds Internet Platforms Responsible for Their Conduct, Not for Users’ Speech

Section 230 Needs Thoughtful Reform, Says ITIF