US political battle over social media will grow

Significance

The boycott is the most coordinated yet against Facebook over hate speech and misinformation on its platforms. Facebook and Twitter have become lightning rods for challenges to social media platforms and their Section 230 exemption from liability for content they carry.

Impacts

• Revision of Section 230 protections is likely, although not without legal challenge.
• Social media’s pervasiveness and profitability make structural reform or extensive regulation unlikely.
• Many small direct-to-consumer businesses built on Facebook will have to stay loyal, risking consumer backlash.
• Influencer advertising will come under stricter scrutiny from brands and regulators.
• US regulation of social media will not diminish Washington’s opposition to international digital taxes on US tech companies.