Facebook's stance on shield law worries smaller tech platforms

Facebook Inc. says it’s time to rethink the legal immunity that protects it from lawsuits over what users post online, a position that’s leaving smaller websites concerned about the cost of accepting more responsibility for what appears on their platforms.The social-media giant has been prominent in the debate in Washington over the liability shield contained in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which may be the subject of a proposal by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission in coming days.President Trump on Wednesday vetoed a defense bill in part because lawmakers refused to include a repeal of the protections. Congress is planning to override the veto, but lawmakers have said they want to address the liability shield in the coming term.Facebook recently has run ads saying, “We want updated internet regulations to set clear guidelines for addressing today’s toughest challenges.” That’s leaving small and mid-sized companies such as Etsy Inc. and Tripadvisor Inc. nervous. Facebook can afford elaborate content moderation backed by legions of lawyers if Congress weakens the shield. Not so the smaller companies, they say.“The Hill is focused on addressing perceived abuses or lapses in responsibility by Big Tech,  » Read More