By John Eggerton, Multichannel News, 3-24-21
Concerned that a March 25 Big Tech hearing may be a chance for legislators to beat up on web platforms’ Sec. 230 immunity from civil liability over third-party content, computer companies wanted the House Energy & Commerce Committee leadership to know the implications of weakening or eliminating the protection.
They argue the section has allowed the Internet to flourish and, in the process, develop content moderation policies that protect consumers and speech. Narrowing or eliminating the shield would lead to more disinformation, and cost millions of jobs and over $400 billion.
That came in a letter from Arthur Sidney, VP of public policy for the Computer & Communications Industry Association, to those committee leaders in advance of the hearing, titled “Disinformation Nation: Social Media’s Role in Promoting Extremism and Misinformation.” » Read More