Today, the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) submitted an amicus brief to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) in the case of Gonzalez v. Google LLC, written in support of the respondent.
In the amicus brief, PPI argues the digital economy, fortified by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, is critical to the American economy, and that the digital economy — which has proven resilient during and after the pandemic — is a key driver of job growth, while holding down inflation. The amicus brief also cautions against altering Section 230 liability protections for the algorithmic recommendations provided by search engines and social networking applications, citing their importance to user experience and online entrepreneurship. Subjecting these companies to liability in this way would harm the digital ecosystem.
“The economic impact of the digital economy, which is supported by Section 230, is enormous,” said Dr. Michael Mandel, Vice President and Chief Economist at the Progressive Policy Institute.
“Anyone who would reform Section 230 must approach that task with the utmost care. Massive advances in Americans’ standard of living and enormous economic gains can be laid at the feet of our digital economy and the protections it has enjoyed. That these protections sometimes enable ugliness amidst all those soaring gains may be reason to reform the digital economy with prudence and a view to the whole — not destroy it,” writes the Progressive Policy Institute in the amicus brief.
Read and download the full text of the amicus brief:
The Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) is a catalyst for policy innovation and political reform based in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to create radically pragmatic ideas for moving America beyond ideological and partisan deadlock. Learn more about PPI by visiting progressivepolicy.org.
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Media Contact: Aaron White; awhite@ppionline.org
