Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has urged more vigorous federal social media regulation, warning that society risks “losing total control without proper content moderation.”
In an interview with CNN’s Michael Smerconish on Saturday, Clinton emphasised the importance of government intervention in regulating online content.
Clinton acknowledged that some steps have been taken at the state level to address these issues, referencing initiatives in California and New York.
However, she expressed her desire for broader action at the federal level, criticising Congress for failing to adequately address the threats posed by unregulated social media platforms.
“We need national action,” Clinton stated. “Sadly, our Congress has been dysfunctional when it comes to addressing these threats to our children.”
One of Clinton’s primary concerns is Section 230 of the Communications Act, which provides legal immunity to online platforms for user content.
Clinton called for repealing this law, arguing that social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok must take responsibility for the content they host.
“We should be repealing Section 230,” Clinton said. “It was originally passed under the assumption that platforms were just neutral pass-throughs, but now we know that these platforms can have serious real-life consequences without moderation.”
Clinton stressed that without proper content moderation, social media’s negative impact extends beyond psychological and social effects, potentially affecting public safety and well-being.
She suggested that removing legal protections for these companies could pave the way for stricter regulation and content oversight.
In addition to federal regulation, Clinton highlighted the need for policy changes in schools, specifically advocating for restrictions on cellphone use. She praised efforts in states like Florida and California, where some schools have banned or limited the use of phones during school hours.
“Take phones out of schools,” Clinton urged. “I’m glad to see schools implementing policies where kids turn in their phones when they arrive. It’s leading to better classroom engagement and encouraging more social interaction.”
Clinton also revisited comments she made last month on MSNBC, where she suggested that individuals accused of spreading propaganda to influence U.S. elections, particularly those supporting former President Donald Trump, should face civil or even criminal charges. Her remarks reflect her ongoing concerns about social media’s role in the 2016 presidential election, in which she lost to Trump.
Clinton’s push for stronger social media regulation reflects broader concerns about the influence of online platforms on democracy, public safety, and children’s well-being.
