California AG says states still hold authority to regulate content of online platforms
( May 11, 2026, 20:44 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: The California Attorney General told a US appeals court that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act does not deprive states of their traditional authority to regulate the content of online platforms within the limits of the First Amendment, defending against a court challenge to the state’s law against deceptive election communications. “States have long had authority to regulate the content disseminated by others within their borders — such as prohibiting the sale of obscene materials to children, advertisements for illegal goods or services, or publications with classified national secrets. Neither the text nor legislative history of Section 230(c) indicates any congressional intent to remove this longstanding aspect of the States’ police power,” the attorney general argued. See attached file....
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