What You Need to Know About Section 230

February 21, 2023

Two cases are making their way to the Supreme Court that have the potential to change the internet as we know it. Gonzalez vs Google and Twitter vs Taamneh are two cases that center around concerns that tech giants’ algorithms pose a danger to society. The cases specifically question whether or not Google and Twitter’s algorithms promoted content that led to ISIS recruitment and increased ISIS’ power as an organization.

Both companies are currently relying on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which states that online platforms cannot be held liable for the content users share on their site. The law enacted in 1996 was created by Congress with the intent of protecting children from exposure to harmful content. But the internet today is a distant stranger from the internet of 1996, and many believe that legal changes are long overdue. 

Regardless of what side of the argument you land on, it is undeniable that the Supreme Court’s decisions on these cases could have major implications for Silicon Valley and all of the companies who rely on them to promote their content. As marketers, we have a responsibility to be conscious of how the messages we share can impact consumers. Not only that, but we must also consider the effects the channels in which we share our content affect the wellbeing of our customers, employees, collaborators, and the larger community. 


The fate of Section 230 could lead to immense changes in the way that the major companies who run the internet conduct business. This could mean algorithms and advertising conventions as we know them change entirely. Be sure that your business acts accordingly and is making decisions that reflect the future you’d like to see for your company. 


UPDATE (5/30/23):



The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Google and Twitter in the two cases concerning Section 230. The decision on Twitter v. Taamneh was unanimous, showing that the court is currently standing with Silicon Valley. In the case of Gonzalez vs. Google, the court ruled that Google was too “removed” from the incident to be held liable.This means that Google and Twitter will continue to not be held liable for any harmful or dangerous content published on their sites by any of their users. If any changes are to be made to the protections that Section 230 grants social media platforms, it will now be up to Congress to revise the law. This story continues to develop, and it appears that the conversation surrounding Section 230 is far from over.

The Meta AI Evolution: Bots, Engagement, and the Future of Social Interaction

April 10, 2025
Remember the early days of the Internet? Digital bots were the unruly disruptors, the digital equivalent of that persistent telemarketer. They clogged feeds with spam, automated shady schemes, and spread misinformation like a digital wildfire. But fast forward to today, and those once-rogue bots have pulled off a serious glow-up, transforming into surprisingly valuable tools for sparking engagement, fueling creativity, and even offering a semblance of companionship. Leading this evolution is Meta, who is boldly rewriting the rules of how AI-driven bots function and, perhaps more significantly, how they are perceived. Now, AI is vying for our attention through comment suggestions, personalized virtual assistants, and a standalone app. Meta is planting its AI roots deeper than we could have possibly imagined just a few short years ago. So, how did we get here, and more importantly, what does it all mean for our digital lives?

The New Playbook: How NIL Deals Are Reshaping Sports Marketing

April 4, 2025
The NCAA Tournament isn’t just about buzzer-beaters and Cinderella stories—it’s a massive stage for brands. With the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, marketing is shifting from traditional ads to direct athlete partnerships. Here’s how NIL is changing the game for brands and players alike.

Meta's New Scratch & Sniff Ads: A Game-Changer in Digital Marketing

March 31, 2025
Meta has just launched its latest feature—Scratch & Sniff Ads! Imagine scrolling through your feed and encountering an ad that doesn't just capture your attention visually, but engages your sense of smell.
Glass of Water

Saratoga Spring Water Goes Viral

March 27, 2025
Saratoga Spring Water Goes Viral Thanks to an Influencer’s Unlikely Morning Routine

Shaking Up the Market: The Rise of Spirit-Based RTDs

By Sierra Levine • March 25, 2025
While traditional malt-based seltzers once dominated this space, the recent surge in spirit-based RTDs has introduced a new wave of innovation and excitement for consumers. These cocktails-in-a-can are changing the way people enjoy their favorite drinks.

Content Saturation: Cutting Through the Noise

March 20, 2025
Do you ever feel like your content is a whisper in an endless buzz of content? No matter how many blogs, videos, or social media posts you create, it’s just not reaching your audience. Welcome to content saturation, the digital version of rush-hour traffic - where everyone is trying to get somewhere, but most of us are just stuck in the jam.
More Posts
Share by: