Why in News
US juries held Meta and Google liable in lawsuits related to harm caused to children, potentially challenging legal protections under Section 230 of US law.
Key Verdicts
California Case
• Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google liable
• Harm caused: Depression and suicidal thoughts
• Platforms involved: Instagram and YouTube
• Compensation ordered: $6 million
New Mexico Case
• Jury found Meta liable
• Allegation: Misleading about child safety
• Issue: Sexual exploitation risks on platform
• Compensation ordered: $375 million
What is Tech Liability Shield
- Tech Liability Shield refers to legal protection given to technology platforms such as social media companies so they are not held responsible for user generated content.
- This protection mainly comes from Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act 1996 in the United States.
Section 230 Tech Liability Shield
Section 230 states
• Online platforms are not treated as publishers
• Platforms not liable for user posted content
• Companies protected from lawsuits over user activity
Often called The law that built the internet
| [2019] Which of the following adopted a law on data protection and privacy for its citizens known as ‘General Data Protection Regulation’ (GDPR) in April 2016 and started implementation of it from 25th May, 2018? (a) Australia (b) Canada (c) The European Union (d) The United States of America |
