[–] bonghits4jeebus 0 points 4 points 4 points (+4|-0) ago
They will argue they are not free speech platforms in court and then argue that they are essential to free speech in public. It's a classic thing to do, not just corporations but for government as well.
[–] AlternateSelection 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
It would harm their free speech for sure. They see their censoring of conservative views as them expressing their freedom of expression. They don't understand that freedom of speech is a two way street. They only see one way. Theirs.
[–] twb-gold 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
I mean, these protections are protecting the free speech of the platforms. Just not the free speech of the people who use those platforms. People should be able to say what they want to say, but other people shouldn't be forced to give them a platform.
It would destroy social media companies with frivolous lawsuits.
There is nothing you can do to make the major social media companies liable for information posted on their site by a 3rd party. However, if you remove the protections, lawyers will include the social media company in every libel lawsuit they file, hoping for a settlement.
You will destroy EVERY social media platform and EVERY platform that allows content to be posted by 3rd parties. Each social media company will need to review all content for libel prior to allowing it to be made public. "Awaiting moderation" will be the result of posting any comment on any platform in the US.
[–] halinflorida 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
There is no free speech.