February 8th, 2026 (Washington, D.C.) – Today marks the 30th anniversary of the 1996 Communications Decency Act and the establishment of Section 230, creating the Internet as we know it today. Peter Chandler, Executive Director of Internet Works, released the following statement to recognize the occasion:
“Three decades after its passage, Section 230 remains a cornerstone of free speech, competition, and innovation on the Internet. At Internet Works, we advocate for preserving the delicate balance at the heart of Section 230: protecting users’ free expression while empowering platforms to champion safety and security in line with their terms of service. We continue to work toward the goal of preserving the Internet as a place of limitless opportunity for all, and Section 230 is a critical component of this mission.
The dual incentives for safety and free expression created by Section 230 have been crucial to the innovation and development of the modern internet. Middle Tech companies operate in highly competitive environments, and as such, are more acutely aware of the relationship between content moderation and user experience. Our companies must maintain our platforms and services to meet our users’ expectations; otherwise, we risk losing them to the major players.
The legal certainty provided by Section 230 protects free expression online, helps services keep their customers safe, and promotes competition.”
About Internet Works:
Internet Works is a coalition of diverse technology companies working together to right-size regulatory technology policy to foster trust and promote safety online so that the Internet remains a place of limitless possibility and innovation. For more information, please visit www.TheInternet.Works.