Five years ago, AT&T was caught in a hypocritical dance, calling for Section 230 reform while simultaneously lobbying the FCC to support then-President Trump’s critique of social media platforms. This move, occurring in early September 2020, spurred submissions of FCC comments from both individual users and the Copia Institute regarding a petition to reinterpret Section 230. The Supreme Court had also previously advised federal agencies to cease attempts at rewriting the law, and a guest post highlighted Section 230’s crucial role in combating online hate speech.
Ten years ago, in late August and early September 2015, Sony Pictures presented a contradictory narrative regarding the damage from its hack, while the cable industry fiercely opposed competition in set-top boxes. Movie studios were also in an uproar over the streaming service Popcorn Time. Simultaneously, Canadian police chiefs bemoaned warrant requirements for ISP data, Vice News employees faced terrorism charges in Turkey for using encryption, and India initiated antitrust proceedings against Google.
Fifteen years ago, around late August and early September 2010, questions arose about why only a few internet service providers were challenging subpoenas from the U.S. Copyright Group, which were becoming more demanding. In contrast, some French ISPs pushed back against the Hadopi law. The U.S. Commerce Secretary aligned with the RIAA, urging ISPs to act as copyright enforcers. Record labels expressed displeasure over reduced radio royalties in India, and music publishers were irked by Apple’s introduction of 60-second song previews without prior consultation.
