Section 230: Free Speech and the Internet, the Law That Makes It All Possible

By Paul M. Sternberg

We live in a digital world, where 85% of the population is online every day. In the U.S., our first amendment right to freedom of speech along with a 26-word law passed in 1996 has allowed this system to flourish. Section 230 was created long before platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube even existed, but it keeps them from being held legally responsible for the content that users post on their sites. If they were held liable there would be a lot more content moderation and free speech on the internet would be much more restricted than it is today.

This guide will provide you with comprehensive information on all the ins and outs of this law, the history behind it, and the possible repercussions of repealing or amending any parts of it. It will also discuss how Section 230 relates to internet defamation lawsuits and provide some information on what steps citizens can take regarding the current legislative discussions.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9781665579360

Paul M. Sternberg

Paul M. Sternberg, J.D. is in private practice at his own Houston, Texas law firm since 2001. He concentrates his practice in the areas of internet defamation law and business law. Mr. Sternberg is a graduate from the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University in 1987, and a 1996 graduate from South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas where he was on the Dean's Honor Roll. Mr. Sternberg, a seasoned entrepreneur, is the author of THE GUIDE TO INTERNET DEFAMATION AND WEBSITE REMOVAL and THE GUIDE TO INVESTING IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE. He has 10 years of experience on representing clients who have been the victims of defamatory cyber-attacks. Mr. Sternberg has developed a reliable blueprint in securing positive solutions in most cases. He has shared his professional knowledge with FOX NEWS and many other media outlets to discuss internet defamation. He is a frequent speaker to attorneys and community groups. He may be reached at www.TheDefamationAttorney.com or his office at 713-789-8120.

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© 2023 Paul M. Sternberg. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  01/12/2023

ISBN: 978-1-6655-7935-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-7936-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022924112

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Introduction: The internet as we know it today

Chapter 1:The 1st Amendment and Freedom of Speech on the Internet

Freedom of Expression and online innovation in America.

Chapter 2:What is section 230 of the Communications Decency Act?

The history of the 26-word law that created the internet as we know it and who it protects.

Chapter 3:How does this law affect internet defamation cases?

Impact on civil claims, criminal exposure, and reduction of harmful content.

Chapter 4:Examples

High Profile cases involving large platforms.

Chapter 5:Why do lawmakers want to repeal or change it?

Democrats and Republicans both desire change but have different reasons and proposals.

Chapter 6:If changed or repealed, what might happen?

Pros and Cons of changes for Social Media Companies.

Chapter 7:What has happened elsewhere in the World?

Internet censorship in other countries.

Chapter 8:What would these changes mean for the public?

Heavy regulation, changes for user generated sites, and global consequences.

Chapter 9:What can people do?

Contact legislators and get involved.

DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this book are for general

guidance on matters of interest only. The application and impact of laws can vary widely based on the specific facts involved. Given the changing nature of laws, rules and regulations, and the inherent hazards of updating printed material and electronic communication, there may be delays, omissions or inaccuracies in information contained in this book. Accordingly, the information in this book is provided with the understanding that the author and publisher are not herein engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax, or other professional advice and services.

The author is NOT your attorney. As such, it should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional accounting, tax, legal or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional. While the author has made every attempt to ensure that the information contained in this book have been obtained from reliable sources. The uthor is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information in this book is provided, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular