Sci-Tech · 29 Aug 2026

Section 230 Communications Decency Act

With reference to Section 230 of the US Communications Decency Act, which one of the following statements is correct?

AIt directly holds technology platforms liable for harms caused by their content-recommendation algorithms
BIt historically shields platforms from liability over user-generated content, forcing plaintiffs to pursue alternative legal theories to target algorithmic design
CIt was enacted specifically to regulate the personalised-feed algorithms of social media platforms
DIt mandates that platforms disclose their algorithmic ranking criteria to regulators
This question is based on: What Does $18 Billion Actually Buy When the Algorithm Stays the Same?
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About this question

Why in news

Meta agreed to an $18-billion settlement over child-addiction claims tied to its algorithms, while its underlying personalised-feed and ad-targeting systems - which generate roughly $60 billion in annual profit - remain unchanged.

Why for UPSC

UPSC often tests precise legal mechanics behind a headline settlement - here, why a liability shield forces plaintiffs into indirect legal theories rather than a direct algorithmic-harm claim.

Prelims summary

Section 230 of the US Communications Decency Act shields platforms from liability over user-generated content, forcing claims against algorithmic design to rely on workaround legal theories like "defective product design."

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