Social Media Design and the Law: Where Does Accountability Lie?

The "Social Media Design and the Law: Where Does Accountability Lie?" panel, hosted by Northeastern University's Center for Law, Information and Creativity (CLIC), convened legal and technical experts to explore the evolving interpretation of Section 230, a law historically providing broad immunity to online platforms. The discussion focused on a significant amicus brief filed by the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) and Cybersecurity for Democracy in litigation against Meta, arguing that Section 230 should not shield platforms from liability when they knowingly design features that harm users for profit.

Key topics included the history and current application of Section 230, its relationship with First Amendment protections, and the legal arguments surrounding the "moderator's dilemma." The panel also delved into the technical understanding required to assess how algorithmic systems contribute to platform accountability, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address these complex issues.

The event featured notable speakers such as Yaël Eisenstat, Director of Policy and Impact at Cybersecurity for Democracy; Thomas McBrien, Counsel for EPIC; and Laura Edelson, Assistant Professor at Northeastern University's Khoury College of Computer Sciences. Their combined expertise provided attendees with a comprehensive analysis of the legal and technical challenges in holding social media platforms accountable.

This panel was particularly relevant for legal professionals, policymakers, technologists, and academics interested in the intersection of law, technology, and social media. Attendees gained valuable insights into the complexities of platform accountability and the potential legal frameworks that could be employed to address user harm resulting from platform design choices.