(DailyVantage.com) – Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently spoke out on the need for stronger federal regulation of social media platforms, warning that without proper moderation, “we lose total control.” In an interview with CNN’s Michael Smerconish, Clinton emphasized that while some states, such as California and New York, have taken steps to address these concerns, more action is needed at the national level.
Clinton specifically called for the repeal of Section 230 of the Communications Act, which grants online platforms immunity from liability for content posted by third-party users. This provision has long protected companies like Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram from being held accountable for what users post, but Clinton argued that this approach is outdated. “If they don’t moderate and monitor the content, we lose total control,” she warned, adding that the consequences of unregulated content aren’t just social or psychological but have real-world effects.
Clinton believes that stripping these platforms of their immunity would pave the way for new “guardrails” to be put in place, ensuring that harmful content is properly regulated. She also discussed her support for limiting cellphone use in schools, applauding districts and states that have begun implementing policies requiring students to turn in their phones during school hours. “Kids are paying better attention in class,” she noted, pointing out the benefits of reducing distractions.
In a broader sense, Clinton sees this issue as one of national urgency, arguing that it should be “at the top of every legislative political agenda.” She expressed disappointment in Congress, which she believes has been “dysfunctional” in addressing threats posed by social media to children and society at large.
Clinton’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about the role of social media in public discourse, disinformation, and its impact on young people. Last month, she also suggested that individuals spreading propaganda in favor of former President Trump should face civil or even criminal charges, a reference to the 2016 election and the spread of misinformation. Clinton reiterated that “without social media content moderation, we lose total control.”
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