US Justice Department proposes rolling back protections for big tech over criminal content

The goal of the proposal, which is being finalised, is to push tech companies to address criminal content on their platforms such as child exploitation, terrorism or cyberstalking, and boost transparency for users when the outlets take down lawful material, the senior Justice Department official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

For it to become law, US lawmakers would need to propose and approve legislation based on the department’s recommendations.

“These reforms are targeted at platforms to make certain they are appropriately addressing illegal and exploitive content while continuing to preserve a vibrant, open, and competitive internet,” Attorney General William Barr said in a statement.