Rodgers and Pallone Urge Ambassador Tai not to Include Section 230 in Trade Agreements

Washington, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) sent a letter today to United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai regarding the inclusion of language mirroring Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act in trade agreements. 


Excerpts from the letter: 


“As you may know, the effects of Section 230 and the appropriate role of such a liability shield have become the subject of much debate in recent years. While we take no view on that debate in this letter, we find it inappropriate for the United States to export language mirroring Section 230 while such serious policy discussions are ongoing,” Pallone and McMorris Rodgers wrote to Tai. “For that reason, we do not believe any provisions regarding intermediary liability protections are ripe for inclusion in any trade deal going forward. Given that our Committee closely oversees Section 230 and all portions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, we also hope the Office of the United States Trade Representative will consult our Committee in the future in advance of negotiating on these issues.” 


CLICK HERE to read the full letter.