FOSTA and the Future of Internet Censorship

Since Congress passed FOSTA in 2019, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Tumblr have scrubbed all adult content. Numerous other online service providers have hidden anything erotic or sexual. Lawmakers seek to impose new liability on internet platforms for deep fakes, political attacks, and other controversial speech by users. Where does it end? The internet started as a bastion for free speech, but is quickly becoming sanitized, mainstreamed, and “safe for work” thanks to pressure from Congress, lawsuits, and Big Tech. Internet users, developers, and platform operators are feeling the effects. This panel of deep thinkers will discuss the future of Section 230 immunity, FOSTA, and the free expression. Learn what you can do to have a voice in the battle against online censorship.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

photo of Elizabeth Nolan Brown
Elizabeth Nolan Brown

Reason Foundation

photo of Eric Goldman
Eric Goldman

Santa Clara University School of Law

photo of Emma Llanso
Emma Llanso

Center for Democracy & Technology

photo of Lawrence Walters
Lawrence Walters

Walters Law Group

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