Explain how the courts are now interpreting Section 230 with the explosion in blogs and social media—does Section 230 apply to more than just internet service providers?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

For 20 years, courts have rejected attempts to limit the application of Section 230 to only “traditional” ISPs like Verizon or AOL. Instead, they have extended protection to the many diverse entities commonly called “interactive computer service providers.” Under this broader definition, blog sites and other interactive services like YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter that rely on user-generated content, information provided from third-party RSS feeds, or reader comments also may receive immunity from libel claims under Section 230. The key to determining whether Section 230 protects against a libel claim is to identify the source of the content and the extent to which the ISP interacted directly with the content. For example, courts have ruled that when bloggers allow third parties to add readers’ comments or other materials to their blogs, then Section 230 protects them. What is less clear is whether those who edit comments or selectively publish reader comments also would fall under Section 230 immunity.