NE Washington News

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered opening remarks at today’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing titled “Legislative Proposal to Sunset Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.”

“Ranking Member Pallone and I recently unveiled bipartisan draft legislation to sunset Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act,” stated Rodgers.

“As written, Section 230 was originally intended to protect Internet Service Providers from being held liable for content posted by a third-party user or for removing truly horrific or illegal content. The intent was to make the Internet a safe space and allow companies to remove harmful content in good faith without being held liable for doing so,” she explained.

Rodgers emphasized that the internet has changed significantly since the enactment of Section 230, noting that over five billion people globally use social media, with an average person spending more than two hours daily on these platforms. She argued that Big Tech exploits this dependency for profit by developing addictive algorithms while failing to enhance protections against harmful activities such as predation, drug dealing, sex trafficking, extortion, and cyberbullying.

“Our children are the ones paying the greatest price,” she asserted. “They are developing addictive and dangerous habits, often at the expense of their mental health.”

Rodgers criticized Big Tech companies for not upholding American values and being poor stewards of their hosted content. Highlighting that many current tech giants did not exist when Section 230 was enacted nearly three decades ago, she urged Congress to reevaluate the law.

“In recent years, U.S. courts have expanded the meaning of what Congress originally intended for this law, interpreting Section 230 in a way that gives Big Tech companies nearly unlimited immunity from legal consequences,” Rodgers continued. She pointed out that this broad interpretation has allowed tech firms to operate without transparency or accountability regarding platform management and user harm.

“This means that a social media company...can’t easily be held responsible if it promotes, amplifies, or makes money from posts selling drugs, illegal weapons, or other illicit content,” she noted. Rodgers also expressed concern about integrating generative artificial intelligence technologies into platforms potentially exacerbating these harms.

“As long as the status quo prevails, Big Tech has no incentive to change...and they will continue putting profits ahead of the mental health of our society and youth,” she warned.

Addressing potential solutions, Rodgers highlighted past legislative efforts: “Reforming Section 230 and holding Big Tech accountable has long been a priority...Last Congress, we both introduced our own legislation to reform [the law]. Unfortunately,...no solutions or reforms were made.”

She accused tech companies of obstructing reform efforts through lobbying tactics aimed at maintaining existing protections under Section 230: “Big Tech is satisfied with the status quo...they have become masters at deception...to keep Section 230 unchanged.”

Rodgers announced bipartisan action on a discussion draft aimed at ensuring accountability while protecting innovation and free speech: “Our goal is not for Section 230 to disappear.” She acknowledged previous failed attempts but stressed urgency: “These companies have left us with no other option...By enacting this legislation we will force Congress to act.”

“It’s vital that we develop solutions to restore people’s free speech,...identity,...and safety online while also continuing to encourage innovation,” concluded Rodgers.

Main: (202) 225-3641

Press: (202) 226-4972