Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urges the federal government to intervene and moderate content on social media platforms, citing the need to protect children and society from harmful and threatening material. Clinton advocates for repealing Section 230 of the Communications Act and implementing stricter regulations to hold platforms accountable for the content they host.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has issued a clarion call for the federal government to take swift action in regulating the content shared on social media platforms. Speaking to CNN host Michael Smerconish, Clinton expressed grave concerns about the unchecked flow of potentially harmful or misleading content on these powerful platforms.
Clinton highlighted the steps taken by some states, such as California and New York, in addressing the issue but emphasized the urgent need for nationwide action. Citing the dysfunctional nature of Congress when it comes to tackling online threats, she urged lawmakers to prioritize this issue and enact comprehensive measures to protect society, particularly children.
Hillary Clinton Demands Federal Regulation of Social Media Content to Prevent "Total Control" Loss
At the heart of Clinton's proposal lies the repeal of Section 230 of the Communications Act. Section 230 grants immunity to online platforms from being held liable for third-party content, including user-generated posts. Clinton argues that this immunity has allowed social media companies to avoid accountability and has contributed to the proliferation of misinformation and harmful material.
"We now know that was an overly simple view," Clinton stated. "If the platforms... do not moderate and monitor the content, we lose total control." She stressed that the social and psychological effects of unchecked online content extend beyond individual users and impact society as a whole.
Hillary Clinton Demands Federal Regulation of Social Media Content to Prevent "Total Control" Loss
Furthermore, Clinton advocated for the removal of cell phones from schools. She pointed to the successful efforts in several states, including Florida and California, where schools have banned or limited cellphone use during school hours. This measure, she believes, improves student attention and fosters meaningful interactions among peers.
In a previous interview on MSNBC, Clinton had suggested exploring civil or criminal charges against individuals accused of interfering in U.S. elections by spreading "propaganda" on behalf of former President Trump. Citing the 2016 election in which she lost to Trump, she maintained that accountability must be pursued.
Hillary Clinton Demands Federal Regulation of Social Media Content to Prevent "Total Control" Loss
Clinton's call for increased regulation of social media content aligns with growing concerns from lawmakers, experts, and the public alike. The rapid spread of misinformation, cyberbullying, hate speech, and other harmful content on these platforms has prompted demands for stronger accountability and safeguards.
As the debate over the role and responsibilities of social media companies continues, it remains to be seen whether Clinton's proposals will gain traction in Congress. However, her voice adds to the chorus of voices calling for a comprehensive and effective approach to regulating online content.
Hillary Clinton Demands Federal Regulation of Social Media Content to Prevent "Total Control" Loss
