# What This Bill Does: Repealing Section 230

This bill would eliminate Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934, a law that has shaped how the internet works for the past thirty years. To understand why this matters, you need to know what Section 230 currently does: it protects websites and online platforms from being sued for content that their users post. Right now, if someone posts something illegal or harmful on Facebook, Twitter, or a local news website's comment section, the platform itself generally can't be held legally responsible for that user's post—only the person who actually wrote it can be sued.

If this bill passes, that protection would disappear. Websites and platforms would become legally liable for virtually everything their users post. This means a social media company could be sued if someone posts defamatory comments, harassment, or illegal content on their platform. A news outlet could face lawsuits over reader comments. Even small websites with user forums could be held responsible for what their visitors write. The practical effect would likely be that most online platforms would either shut down their comment sections and user-generated content entirely, or they'd need to hire massive teams to monitor and remove content before it causes legal problems.

The impact on everyday internet users would be significant. You'd probably see fewer places to comment, share, or participate online. Small websites and startups might disappear because they can't afford the legal risk. The internet would likely become more controlled and less interactive, with big companies able to afford legal teams while smaller voices get squeezed out. Supporters of this bill argue it would make platforms more responsible for harmful content, while critics worry it would essentially break how the modern internet functions and eliminate the open forums many people rely on to communicate.

A bill to repeal section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934.

Graham, Lindsey

 <p>This bill repeals Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934, which protects a provider or user of an interactive computer service (e.g., social media company) from liability for screening or blocking objectionable content. </p>