Washington — Proposed changes to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act could have broad, unintended consequences for internet services, online platforms and websites. The Computer & Communications Industry Association appreciates the goal of reducing human trafficking, but is concerned the exact changes being proposed would do little to rein in the worst offenders, while subjecting legitimate companies to increased liability.
In an article earlier this year, Wired magazine called Section 230 “the most important law in tech.”
The following can be attributed to CCIA President & CEO Ed Black:
“Undermining critical legal protections for lawful internet services will not help in the fight against illegal activity online. Instead of stamping out rogue activity, this will discourage online services from developing strategies to fight criminal activity online.”
“We agree that fighting trafficking is a critical goal; industry already cooperates with each other, non-profits, and law enforcement to strategically target bad actors facilitating criminal conduct. However, this amendment is counterproductive to our shared goals. The amendment would increase liability for legitimate companies and undermine existing efforts they are making to help detect criminal behavior, as those efforts could subject them to additional legal liabilities.”