Yesterday’s Federal Communications Commission announcement about anti-Trump comments on media platforms strikes close to home.
As in, “06880” close.
The FCC said that “electronic content providers” — including, but not limited to, “television and radio stations, and operators of websites, blogs, apps and other internet platforms” — would be liable for “any defamatory, libelous, scurrilous or in other ways negative” remarks about President Trump.
This includes, the FCC added, comments made by the “operators, as well as the users” of any such platform.
In other words, I would be liable for anything I wrote perceived as anti-Trump. I would also be responsible for anything written in the Comments section.
I could be fined up to $1,000 — per instance. Jail time is possible for repeated offenders.
Late yesterday, “06880” received an email from the FCC. It reiterated all the information contained in the morning press release.
In a different font, at the bottom, was this: “NOTE: President Trump has received screenshots of comments on ‘06880/Where Westport Meets the World’ that could be considered defamatory, libelous, scurrilous or in other ways negative. If you would like to see those comment [sic], please contact this office at the email below.”
The American Civil Liberties Union and Electronic Frontier Foundation have already said they will fight the FCC edict in court.
I am weighing my options. I monitor the “06880” Comments section for libelous statements, but generally allow free speech (provided it is on the topic of the story).
This is a chilling development. My first instinct is to resist. However, I do not want to be liable for fines — or possible jail time.
When I decide my response, “06880” readers will be the first to know.
Click here to see the full FCC letter to “06880.” Click here to sign an online petition opposing the FCC plan. Click here send a private message to “06880.”
President Donald J. Trump
