In Defense of Section 230

Democratic leaders and industry officials cast GOP talk of cracking down on tech’s content moderation practices as out of touch with conservative values. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), who helped author Section 230, said “calls for government regulation of online speech and the business practices of private corporations run counter to everything conservatives claim to believe.” Sen Wyden added altering liability protections would unleash “an onslaught of bad-faith lawsuits and pressure campaigns” on tech companies. "Conservatives must keep to their principles and respect that online platforms are private businesses not public utilities,” said Carl Szabo, vice president at e-commerce trade group NetChoice.

Tech firms have already leaned on the law to shield themselves against allegations of political bias. Recently a Trump-appointed federal judge dismissed a case brought by right-wing activist Laura Loomer and Freedom Watch that claimed Google, Facebook, Apple, and Twitter were suppressing conservatives. The companies are out to “re-craft the nation into their leftist design,” the complaint asserted. The companies barked back that Loomer and Freedom Watch failed to show they’ve been harmed and, even if they had, Section 230 protects internet platforms from liability for policing their content. The court agreed.