Rep. Jimmy Patronis introduces PROTECT Act to repeal Section 230, raising questions about online speech and liability Collin Bestor January 15, 2026 2:48 pm Government NICEVILLE — A new bill introduced by Rep. Jimmy Patronis would eliminate one of the most important laws governing how Americans communicate online — a move supporters say would rein in powerful tech companies. Critics warn that it could fundamentally change how the internet works for everyday users. The legislation, called the Promoting Responsible Online Technology and Ensuring Consumer Trust Act, or PROTECT Act, would fully repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a 1996 law that shields online platforms from liability for most user-posted content. Patronis says repealing the law is necessary to protect children from online harm, including exposure to content that promotes self-harm, suicide and addiction. “As a father of two young boys, I refuse to stand by while Big Tech poisons our kids without consequence,” Patronis said in a statement announcing the bill. He compared social media platforms to addictive substances and argued they profit while avoiding accountability. What Section 230 does, in plain terms Section 230 is the reason websites are generally not legally responsible for what users post, whether that’s a Facebook comment, a YouTube video, a product review, or a message on a forum. It also allows platforms to remove or moderate content they consider harmful or offensive without becoming legally liable for everything else on their site. In short, it lets...
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