Section 230 and the Future of Internet Censorship
Section 230 has been responsible for the development of a free Internet since 1996. Recently, political pressure has mounted to roll back this protection for online platforms. Section 230 grants immunity for most claims arising from user posted content or content removal. The first attack on Section 230 was FOSTA/SESTA. Recent legislative amendments have caused many online platforms to scrub massive amounts of content from the Internet and some have shut down completely. The new proposals threaten online freedom and innovation. The Internet is quickly becoming sanitized thanks to pressure from Congress, prosecutors, and civil lawsuits. Internet users and developers are feeling the effects. This panel of deep thinkers will discuss the future of Section 230 immunity and free expression.
Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.
Elizabeth Nolan Brown
Reason Foundation
Eric Goldman
Santa Clara University School of Law
Emma Llanso
Center for Democracy & Technology
Lawrence Walters
Walters Law Group