Communications Decency Act

Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act has shielded internet giants and social media companies from legal liability for what users say on their platforms. But now, the Supreme Court is set to hear a case on Section 230, one that could fundamentally alter big tech’s business model.

Here’s a look at what Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act is, and the practical implications of the loss of its protections would have for online services. The implications include the potential for even greater censorship by these platforms of what is being posted online — seemingly the opposite of the intent of the Executive Order triggered by the perceived limitations imposed on tweets of the president and on the social media posts of other conservative commentators.