NTIA Files Section 230 Petition to FCC

NTIA filed the eagerly awaited petition to the FCC to clarify Communications Decency Act Section 230, as instructed by President Donald Trump's executive order. The changes would say when certain industry actions such as by social media platforms wouldn't be exempted under the liability safe harbor. The administration now also asked "to impose disclosure requirements similar those imposed on other internet companies, such as major broadband service providers, to promote free and open debate on the internet."

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said it has long been U.S. policy "to foster a robust marketplace of ideas on the Internet and the free flow of information around the world." Trump "is committed to protecting the rights of all Americans to express their views and not face unjustified restrictions or selective censorship from a handful of powerful companies,” Ross said.

"The FCC will carefully review the petition," emailed a commission spokesperson Monday evening. NTIA declined comment on our queries.

Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said her agency "shouldn’t take this bait. While social media can be frustrating, turning this agency into the President's speech police is not the answer. If we honor the Constitution, we will reject this petition immediately.”