Representative Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) has introduced legislation repealing Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to hold Big Tech accountable for their exposure of inappropriate material to minors.
As The Floridian previously covered, Section 230 holds that social media companies are not legally accountable for user-posted content on their sites. However, an August 2024 Pennsylvania court ruling suggested that algorithms curate the content users see, and thus social media companies remain technically responsible for exposing users to harmful content.
Thus, Rep. Patronis's Promoting Responsible Online Technology and Ensuring Consumer Trust (PROTECT) Act takes the ruling to its logical conclusion and repeals Section 230 altogether.
"As a father of two young boys, I refuse to stand by while Big Tech poisons our kids without consequence," said Rep. Patronis in his press release, adding, "This is the only industry in America that can knowingly harm children, some with deadly consequences, and walk away without responsibility. Big Tech is digital fentanyl that is slowly killing our kids, pushing parents to the sidelines, acting as therapists, and replacing relationships with our family and friends. This must stop."
The Florida congressman further emphasized that "It is time for parents to stand up and fight back against these tech giants. The dark forces of social media and tech evolve faster than any parent can screen or detect, even with the best skills."
"It is time we demand accountability for declining mental health in minors and the increase in suicide and self-harm," he continued, "These are minor children who are getting hurt. If a billboard or TV channel couldn't publish bullying or violent materials without liability, why can big tech? Let's end the double standard."
Patronis concluded by blasting the addictive nature of algorithms that social media companies cultivate, further denouncing chatbots that encourage self-harm and even suicide, saying, "When children are told by an algorithm, or a chatbot, that the world would be better without them, and no one is being held responsible, something is deeply broken. I bet they would actually self-police their sticky apps and technologies if they knew they would have to pay big without the Big Tech Liability Protection of Section 230."
