• Law
College

Explain Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996.

Answer :

Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 protects internet service providers from liability for third-party user content, enabling an open and diverse internet.

Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996:

  • Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (CDA) of 1996 was designed to protect internet service providers and users from liability for content posted by third parties. This section is particularly important as it distinguishes between content creators and platform providers, maintaining that platforms are not to be treated as the publishers of content provided by others.
  • This provision has been crucial in the development and operation of the internet. It allows websites and social media platforms to host user-generated content without being held legally responsible for the content's publication.
  • However, Section 230 does not provide absolute immunity; platforms can still be held liable for content they create themselves or for failing to act on illegal content if they're involved in its creation. This balancing act was pivotal in fostering the open and diverse internet we know today, while still upholding certain responsibilities for online company.