Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act

Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, enacted in 1996, provides legal protection to online platforms, such as social media sites and forums, from being held liable for content created by their users. This means that if someone posts something harmful or illegal, the platform typically cannot be sued for that user's actions. It also allows platforms to moderate content without being considered responsible for all user-generated content. This law has been crucial in shaping the internet, encouraging free speech while allowing companies to manage inappropriate content.