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How Section 230 Helps You

In the United States, Section 230 is a law that allows online services—like websites and apps—to provide people with easy access to information, promote free expression, and responsibly manage harmful content.

Simply put, Section 230 says websites (and users) are not liable for the content they do not create. At the same time, Section 230 provides websites with the opportunity to protect people that use their services from harmful content and behaviors, ranging from spam to harassment.

Without Section 230, search engines, video sharing platforms, political blogs, startups, and small businesses would have to choose between extremes: over-filter content, stop hosting user created content, or stop moderating content. Any of these extremes would create an Internet that is less helpful and less accessible.

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How could changes to Section 230 impact internet users?

Changes to Section 230 could cause unintended consequences for people who use the Internet. Without Section 230, websites could forgo hosting user created content entirely, over-filter content to avoid burdensome litigation, or not moderate content at all. For example, without Section 230, a restaurant may have to leave up spam reviews on their website or face lawsuits from the poster. Marketplaces could also face liability for allowing negative or critical product reviews. And lots of legitimate and important posts on social media, video websites, or apps could be blocked. Overall, the Internet would become a less helpful place to find trustworthy information, form communities, and connect with others online.

Without Section 230, who is affected?

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Apps, games, web businesses may lose access to customers

Changes to Section 230 may discourage app stores from hosting apps by new developers, because of increased liability for app store services. As a result, new online businesses who are not pre-vetted by the app stores could face many obstacles, including long wait times and burdensome processes, to find a mainstream service willing to host their app for download or purchase.
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Internet users may find a much less useful online experience

Without Section 230, websites could be exposed to tremendous legal liability for any content they host. As a result, online services and websites may choose to shut down features that allow for influencers and content creators to share or monetize their content or may turn to professionally curated content and subscription-based business models. That means fewer opportunities for creators and influencers to share their work, and fewer content choices for users to enjoy.

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Small and medium sized businesses could lose opportunities to grow online

Changes to Section 230 may require websites to decrease the amount of user generated content and vett all potential new online stores and advertisers, which, in turn, could make it more difficult for business owners to easily and quickly grow online.

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Internet users may find a much less useful online experience

Every day, people turn to the Internet to find helpful information like recipes and directions, but without Section 230, websites may be forced to allow all content online, including spam and fake business profiles, that make it more difficult to easily find helpful information.