1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong support for the preservation of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. This legislation is a cornerstone of free speech and innovation on the internet, and its repeal would have significant, detrimental effects on both individuals and businesses across the country. Section 230 protects online platforms from liability for content posted by third parties. If this protection were to be repealed, platforms would face an overwhelming legal burden to monitor, filter, and possibly censor user-generated content. This could result in many voices being silenced, especially those of marginalized communities. Fear of liability would likely make platforms overly cautious, resulting in reduced diversity of viewpoints available on the internet. The current legal framework fosters an environment where startups and smaller tech companies can thrive without the threat of exorbitant legal costs. Without Section 230, new companies may struggle to enter the market, stifling competition and hindering technological innovation. Established platforms might also become more centralized, as only those with extensive resources can afford the legal shield required to manage user content. The implementation of content moderation systems that comply with potential legal requirements would require significant investments in technology and personnel. These costs would inevitably be passed on to consumers, making internet services more expensive and less accessible, particularly for lower-income populations. Repeal would force platforms to adopt inconsistent content moderation practices, leading to a patchwork of legal standards across state lines. This confusion would result in a fragmented online ecosystem where users might not know what content is permissible, and businesses could face unpredictable legal risks. In conclusion, preserving Section 230 is essential not only for safeguarding free speech but also for ensuring a vibrant, diverse, and innovative online space. I urge you to oppose any efforts to repeal or undermine this crucial law. Our democracy and economy depend on it. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.