from the a-podcast-series-all-about-section-230 dept
At a time when Section 230 faces unprecedented threats from all sides — with both major political parties gunning for it, albeit for opposite reasons — understanding this crucial internet law has never been more important. That’s probably why our “Hello! You’ve Been Referred Here Because You’re Wrong About Section 230” post remains one of Techdirt’s most referenced articles.
So last year, when the Competitive Enterprise Institute approached me about hosting a documentary-style podcast exploring the past, present, and (hopefully) future of Section 230, I was understandably skeptical. After all, much of the discourse around 230 comes from people who fundamentally misunderstand it. But it quickly became clear that CEI truly grasped both the technical aspects and the broader implications of the law and shared my vision for the kind of deep, nuanced exploration this topic deserves.
The result is “Otherwise Objectionable: the most misunderstood law on the internet,” launching March 12th. The podcast format allows us to dig deep into the human stories behind Section 230 — both from those who shaped the law and those whose lives were shaped by it. Rather than just explaining the legal technicalities, we explore how this short statute enabled the creation of countless online communities and gave voice to millions who previously had none.
We’ve assembled an impressive array of voices: Chris Cox and Ron Wyden, the original authors of Section 230, walk us through not just what they wrote, but why they wrote it. Lawyers who fought in the earliest internet cases explain how the legal landscape evolved, both before and after 230’s passage. Yes, we also talk to a few critics of the law as well. And perhaps most importantly, we hear from people whose lives were transformed by the very online communities and services that 230 made possible — including one of my first online friends from the Usenet days.
For people who want to understand the importance of Section 230, the series should be invaluable. But even for those of you who think you already know all about Section 230, I promise you’ll learn something new (I certainly did in the process).
The trailer is available now on all major podcast platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Pandora, iHeart, Deezer, Amazon Music), with the first full episode dropping next week. At a moment when Section 230’s future hangs in the balance, understanding its past has never been more crucial.
Filed Under: otherwise objectionable, section 230
