H.R.908 - Stop the Censorship Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 908, the "Stop the Censorship Act," proposes to amend Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934. The bill aims to revise the protections afforded to online platforms regarding user-generated content. Specifically, it seeks to narrow the scope of immunity for platforms by changing the language regarding the types of material they are protected from liability for hosting.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill could significantly alter the way online platforms moderate content. Platforms might face increased legal liability for user-generated content deemed unlawful. This could lead to more aggressive content moderation or, conversely, a reduction in moderation efforts due to the complexity and cost of compliance.
Potential Benefits
- Could reduce the spread of illegal content online.
- May empower individuals harmed by unlawful online content to seek legal recourse.
- Could incentivize platforms to more actively monitor and remove illegal material.
- May lead to a more transparent and consistent application of content moderation policies.
- Could give users more control over the content they are exposed to.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May stifle free speech by incentivizing platforms to over-censor content to avoid liability.
- Could disproportionately affect smaller platforms that lack the resources to effectively moderate content.
- May lead to increased litigation against online platforms.
- Could create uncertainty about the legal responsibilities of online platforms.
- May limit the ability of platforms to moderate content that is objectionable but not illegal.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. While it aims to address concerns about unlawful content online, it also raises potential First Amendment issues related to freedom of speech. The Supreme Court has established that speech can be restricted if it falls into certain categories, such as incitement to violence or defamation, but the bill's impact on protected speech needs careful consideration. The First Amendment states that Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).