DOJ’s Section 230 Shuffle: When Tiger Teams Get Trumped!
The DOJ’s “Tiger Team” was surprised by Trump’s Executive Order targeting online platforms, as they were already crafting a plan to weaken Section 230. While Trump’s order fizzled out, the DOJ’s proposal could have led platforms to panic-delete content, proving that even the government can be unpredictable in the digital jungle.
Hot Take:
When life gives you lemons, apparently the Department of Justice makes an executive cocktail. While Trump was busy fact-checking the fact-checkers, the DOJ’s “Tiger Team” was quietly plotting to tame the wild west of the internet. It seems like a case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing, or maybe just a classic case of “who’s the boss?” Spoiler alert: It’s not Tony Danza!
Key Points:
- The DOJ’s “Tiger Team” was secretly working on proposals to amend Section 230, the law that protects internet users’ speech.
- Trump’s Executive Order aimed at online services threw a wrench in DOJ’s plans, delaying their proposal.
- The DOJ wanted to allow legal action against online services if they knew of illegal user content.
- Trump’s order was challenged on First Amendment grounds and eventually rescinded by Biden.
- The EFF has been busy with FOIA suits to keep tabs on these government shenanigans.
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