Preventing Online Censorship
Federal Agencies Directed to Curb Online Platforms' Censorship Powers
What it does
Agencies must ask the Federal Communications Commission to clarify Section 230, review and report federal advertising to online platforms, and pursue legal and legislative responses to viewpoint censorship.
Real-world impact
- Requires agencies to report federal advertising paid to social media platforms within 30 days.
- Asks regulators to seek rules narrowing Section 230 immunity for platforms that censor.
- Could lead to legal complaints, FTC reviews, and new state or federal laws.
Topics
Summary
This order directs federal agencies to limit online platforms' ability to censor speech and to clarify legal protections under Section 230. It tells the Secretary of Commerce, with the Attorney General, to ask the Federal Communications Commission to propose rules clarifying when platforms lose immunity.
Agencies must review federal advertising paid to online platforms and report findings to the Office of Management and Budget within 30 days. The order also directs the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission to examine complaints about viewpoint discrimination and deceptive practices, and asks the Attorney General to propose state laws and federal legislation.
Questions, answered
Ask questions about this executive order and its implications. Try:
- “What agencies are affected by this order?”
- “How does this order change existing policy?”
- “What are the practical implications of this order?”