Remarkl
Oct 28, 2020

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I wouldn't repeal Section 230, but I would make one simple, consequential tweak. The law should deny protection to any company that sells data, directly or by targeting ads. A company that sells data is not a platform; it is a marketing company.

The USPS does not sell addresses, with or without demographic information or information about who is interested in what. The USPS delivers the mail to addresses chosen without USPS participation. The USPS charges for delivery service. So should internet platforms. Otherwise, an internet company deserves no more than the (significant) protections afforded by NY Times v. Sullivan.

To say that internet platforms deserve protection from defamation laws is to say that they are public utilities. They should be treated as such.

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Remarkl
Remarkl

Written by Remarkl

Self-description is not privileged.

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