By John Eggerton, Multichannel News, 10-20-20
A pair of House Democrats have introduced a bill that would take a new tack on reforming Section 230, the provision that grants immunity to social platforms for most of the content on their sites, targeting online algorithms they argue facilitate offline violence.
Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) and Tom Malinowski (D-N.J.) on Tuesday (Oct. 20) introduced the Protecting Americans from Dangerous Algorithms Act, which would attempt to hold large web platforms (50 million or more users) accountable “for their algorithmic amplification of harmful, radicalizing content that leads to offline violence.”
The bill would amend Section 230 to remove immunity if an algorithm “is used to amplify or recommend content directly relevant to a case involving interference with civil rights (42 U.S.C. 1985); neglect to prevent interference with civil rights (42 U.S.C. 1986); and in cases involving acts of international terrorism (18 U.S.C. 2333). 42 U.S.C.”
Those cases are central to a suit filed against Facebook alleging it facilitated “militia violence” in Wisconsin and another against the social media giant for allegedly facilitating terrorism. » Read More