Hillary Clinton Calls for National Action on Social Media Regulation

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged the federal government to implement stricter regulations on social media platforms to moderate content, arguing that failure to do so will lead to a loss of control.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has emphasized the urgent need for national action on social media regulation to address the proliferation of harmful content on these platforms. In an interview with CNN, Clinton expressed concern that the absence of adequate moderation poses a significant threat to children and society.

Clinton stated that while certain states have taken steps to tackle the issue, comprehensive federal legislation is crucial. She proposed repealing Section 230 of the Communications Act, which currently grants online platforms immunity from liability for third-party content. Clinton believes this immunity has enabled platforms to evade responsibility for moderating and monitoring content, leading to a loss of control over harmful content.

Hillary Clinton Calls for National Action on Social Media Regulation

She emphasized that social media companies must be held accountable for the content they host on their platforms. "If they don't moderate and monitor the content, we lose total control," Clinton said. "And it's not just the social and psychological effects, it's real life."

Clinton also advocated for restricting the use of cellphones in schools, citing the positive impact it has had on students' attention and social interactions. "Take phones out of schools," she urged. "Kids are paying better attention in class, they are talking to each other in the lunchroom, things that used to be part of your daily life when you were a child in school."

Hillary Clinton Calls for National Action on Social Media Regulation

In addition to advocating for platform regulation and cellphone restrictions, Clinton has also called for increased prosecution of individuals accused of election interference. She cited the 2016 election as an example and suggested that those found responsible for spreading propaganda promoting former President Trump should face civil or criminal charges.

Clinton's emphasis on the urgent need for social media regulation aligns with growing concerns among legislators and the public about the impact of harmful content on social media platforms. The debate over Section 230 immunity continues to be a contentious issue, with proponents arguing that it protects free speech and fosters innovation, while opponents contend that it exempts platforms from accountability for harmful content.

Hillary Clinton Calls for National Action on Social Media Regulation

The push for national action on social media regulation is likely to intensify in the coming months, as concerns over misinformation, hate speech, and cyberbullying persist. Policymakers and industry leaders will need to strike a delicate balance between protecting free expression and ensuring the safety and well-being of users online.