Section 230: The Internet Law That Shapes How Safe Our Kids Really Are Online
Why Parents Should Care
Most parents do not spend their evenings reading internet law. Yet a single law, written in 1996, still decides how TikTok, Roblox, Instagram, and Discord handle harmful content that reaches our children. That law is Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
Often called the twenty-six words that created the internet, it gives apps and websites broad protection from lawsuits over what users say or share. It also gives them permission to moderate content without being treated as publishers. For families, that means the tools and safety features we depend on are voluntary choices by the companies—not legal guarantees.
What Exactly is Section 230?
When Congress passed the law in 1996, the internet was a fraction of what it is today. Section 230 was meant to protect new platforms from being shut down by lawsuits.
The two main pillars are:
Platforms are not liable for what users post. If someone uploads harmful or false content to YouTube or Snapchat, the company itself is usually shielded.
Platforms can moderate content. They are free to remove or block material they find objectionable—whether it is bullying, hate speech, or explicit content—without becoming legally responsible for everything else that remains.
Think of it as building a playground: the city provides the space, but it is not held liable for every child’s behavior.
How This Shapes What Kids See
Because of Section 230, platforms can create parental controls, filters, and reporting tools. But they are not required to guarantee that kids will never see harmful content.
TikTok and Instagram offer Family Pairing and Supervision features, but parents cannot sue if a harmful video slips through.
Roblox and Xbox use chat filters to block predators, yet Section 230 shields them if something inappropriate gets through.
Discord and Snapchat provide direct message filtering and block buttons, but the responsibility to enforce rules is largely in their hands.
For parents, the practical impact is clear: safety tools exist because companies choose to offer them, not because the law requires them.
The Current Debate
Section 230 is one of the most contested laws in Washington. Critics argue that weakening its protections would finally force platforms to protect kids more aggressively. Supporters counter that changing it could crush free speech and drive smaller platforms out of business.
For families, the debate creates uncertainty. Will companies add more safety tools on their own, or will lawmakers reshape the rules of the internet? Either way, the daily reality remains: no platform is legally bound to protect kids 100 percent of the time.
What Parents Can Do Right Now
Understand the limits. Know that built-in parental controls are helpful, but not foolproof.
Use the tools available. Pair accounts, set filters, and block suspicious users.
Stay close to the conversation. Talk with kids about what they see online. Section 230 means responsibility still falls heavily on families.
The Bottom Line
Section 230 protects the internet as we know it. It also explains why platforms are partners in safety, not guarantors. For parents, the law is a reminder: tech companies can build playgrounds and fences, but families still set the boundaries.
