Another Court Recognizes Site Owners Aren't Liable For Site Comments

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the legal implications of website owners' liability for user-generated comments, particularly in the context of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. Participants explore the nuances of moderation and liability in online forums, as well as the broader implications of such legal rulings.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, suggesting that website owners are not liable for comments made by users.
  • There is a discussion about the implications of moderation, with some arguing that if a moderated comment is deemed libelous, the liability falls on the commenter rather than the site owner.
  • One participant expresses that the legal interpretation seems obvious, indicating a sense of agreement on the basic premise of the law.
  • Another participant introduces a tangential comment about patent law, suggesting a broader skepticism about legal frameworks.
  • The conversation shifts to a more casual tone with off-topic banter, indicating a social dynamic among participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the principle that website owners are not liable for user comments, but the discussion contains a mix of serious legal considerations and light-hearted exchanges, indicating a lack of deep engagement with the legal nuances.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not delve into specific legal cases or detailed interpretations of the law, leaving some assumptions and implications unexamined.

scott1
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It happens all too often that some website owner in the US is sued with claims of libel over comments on that site in an open forum. We usually point to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, and note that it's pretty clear that service providers of such forums are not liable for content they didn't write themselves. We also like to point to a 9th Circuit ruling, noting that, even when
http://techdirt.com/articles/20060606/0323235.shtml
So does that mean mods can not to do there job and not get sued on PF?:biggrin:
 
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Link please.
 
I put the link in
 
scott1 said:
So does that mean mods can not to do there job and not get sued on PF?:biggrin:
It seems to say that even though we claim the site is moderated, if something slips through, it's still the fault of the person making the post, not us, at least in terms of libel.
 
Moonbear said:
It seems to say that even though we claim the site is moderated, if something slips through, it's still the fault of the person making the post, not us, at least in terms of libel.

Sounds pretty no-duhish to me :smile:
 
Pengwuino said:
Sounds pretty no-duhish to me :smile:


Well, you'd say that about patent law too now wouldn't you...
 
franznietzsche said:
Well, you'd say that about patent law too now wouldn't you...

you're on my cyrus list now
 
Pengwuino said:
you're on my cyrus list now

What did I do?

I was just pointing out that patent law sucks.
 
So now that you two are both together again at this late hour, why aren't you plotting to take over the world?
 
  • #10
Moonbear said:
So now that you two are both together again at this late hour, why aren't you plotting to take over the world?
That was Smurf and I, not Pengwuino.

Wow, that must have been more than a year ago.
 
  • #11
Smurf? I thought he married that one dude from toronto and moved to the north pole
 
  • #12
franznietzsche said:
That was Smurf and I, not Pengwuino.

Wow, that must have been more than a year ago.
I think it's been more than a year ago...that's why I can't remember who you got into trouble with around here...you guys are getting all grown up. :cry:
 
  • #13
Pengwuino said:
you're on my cyrus list now

Keep talking, I'll have the guys at work send at Tomahawk Cruise missile through your window.

Aww, there goes you and your house. Poof, gone.

tomahawk_explosion_photo.jpg
 
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  • #14
Moonbear said:
I think it's been more than a year ago...that's why I can't remember who you got into trouble with around here...you guys are getting all grown up. :cry:


Yeah, Smurf and I and I think honestrosewater. Not sure if it was her though. Must have been back in late-mid 04 I think.

Gosh, I feel sad, when I think how long ago some of that stuff was. 3 years ago, 2 years ago. Its really sad.
 

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