Facebook comments, Instagram posts, and reviews on Yelp
are a valuable part of American business and daily lives
WASHINGTON – NetChoice today released new polling on user-created content and responsibility for illegal activity online. The poll’s findings show that Americans overwhelmingly (70 percent) value their independent ability to post or view user-created content online.
The poll, conducted by RealClear Opinion Research, revealed that 62 percent of Americans say users who act illegally or post illegal content online are the ones who should be held responsible. Just 26 percent think the online platform should be held liable.
“Tech platforms powered by Section 230 continuously protect consumers from harmful and illegal activity while empowering free speech online. The results from this polling showcase that maintaining Section 230 is a priority for the American people,” says Steve DelBianco, President of NetChoice.
“Section 230 enables online platforms to connect workers with potential employees, consumers to read reviews and comments to help them make decisions, and families to stay connected. It is understandable that the American public would continue to support Section 230 and not want to hold platforms liable for the content other people are posting.”
Additional poll findings include:
- Americans overwhelmingly (70%) say their ability to post of view user-created content online is valuable to their personal and professional lives.
- 62% of Americans say users who act illegally or post illegal content online are the ones who should be held liable.
- Of those polled, 73% say users, not platforms, should be held responsible for posts made in the comments section of a webpage.
- Only 1 in 5 polled say they trust the government keep online business practices ethical and fair, whereas a majority most trust consumers or businesses.
Each tech and social platform that hosts user-generated content has community standards in which customers and organizations need to abide to be part of the conversation.
DelBianco added, “These poll results confirm that despite calls for changes to Section 230 by some, Americans value their ability to post content online. It’s vital to keep Section 230 in place, because it not only empowers small businesses nationwide, it also connects Americans with their friends, family, and elected officials.”
While online platforms work to improve the user experience and ensure safe environments for all users through content moderation and removal of offensive content, Americans continue to value their ability to post and view user-created content online.
The poll data can be found here. For more information, please email info@netchoice.org.
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About NetChoice
NetChoice is a trade association that works to protect free expression and free enterprise online.