House Panel Supports Revising Law That Protects Social Media Companies

The Communications Decency Act of 1996 was meant to keep pornography off the internet, but Section 230 has had the opposite effect, advocates say.

In this photo illustration, social media apps are seen on a phone in New York City on March 13, 2024. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Members on both sides of a key House panel expressed support on May 21 for a bill to begin revising a law that protects social media companies from being held legally accountable for the content they host.

The as-yet-unnumbered House proposal—“To Provide a Sunset for Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act”—was introduced by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and co-sponsored by ranking Democratic member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.).