united-states legal-terms defamation social-media
Lawsuits over fake social media content
<p>Someone developed a social media network that permits users to post local news/events and information.</p>

<p>What are the legal ramifications toward the developer if someone uses the platform as a way to spread fake or inauthentic content, potentially in a manner that might negatively affect local businesses. </p>

<p>Could the developer face legal ramifications for this content?</p>

<p>Under <a href="https://www.eff.org/issues/cda230" rel="nofollow noreferrer">47 U.S.C. § 230, a Provision of the Communication Decency Act</a>, social media providers are not responsible for the content posted on their platforms.  </p>

<blockquote>
  <p>"No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider"</p>
</blockquote>

<p>To be very clear, you can still be sued in civil court for what someone has posted on you platform; basically, anyone can sue anyone for virtually anything in civil court, and if sued, you will have to answer the lawsuit with the help of an attorney. But you can use <a href="https://www.eff.org/issues/cda230" rel="nofollow noreferrer">The Communications Decency Act</a> as a defense, and most likely prevail, in looking at many past cases and case law. And most potential litigants and their attorneys will realize the CDA provides strong protections to platform administrators and know that they do not have a strong case. Running a public business means having legal issues; the best thing to do is find a lawyer who can advise you before you launch.</p>
