ENVISIONING FUTURES FOR PLATFORM MODERATION IN THE UNITED STATES: A SCENARIO STUDY ON SECTION 230
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2021
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This research employs futures studies methods to provide policy recommendations to American federal, state, and local leaders regarding platform governance. Current debate revolves around the Section 230 provision of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, and the discourse and decisions regarding this provision and platform governance generally will determine the future of American society and democracy. Section 230 provides legal immunity to Internet Service Providers by (1) eliminating intermediary liability and (2) shielding companies’ moderation of users’ publications.
An environmental scan of various information sources emphasizes technological innovation, platforms’ business models, and government action as the three primary variables with the greatest potential impact on the future of platform governance in America. Scenarios developed from these variables demonstrate the need for effective information distribution infrastructure. An amenable information ecosystem will allow leaders to pass platform governance policy that does not stifle free discourse, hinder innovation, disrupt democracy with disinformation, restrict individuals’ human autonomy, or grant the government excessive power.
Sustainable legislation must revolve around a values-based dialogue on privacy and autonomy, companies and information as a public good, and the relationship between the government and the private sector. Based on principles transcribed in America’s founding documents, the re-imagining of information-distribution system should value local news, flourishing online dialogue, and equity to information access.
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Information technology, futures studies, media governance, platform regulation, scenario planning
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141 pages
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