Trump signs executive order exposing social media to litigation

A few minutes ago, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at the major social media platforms, denouncing the tech behemoths as “tantamount to a monopoly.” The order may alter Section 230, which protects them from litigation. Trump signed the order, which aims to modify the legal protections currently shielding Big Tech from lawsuits over content hosted on its platforms, on Thursday as he addressed reporters at the White House. Trump on Wednesday criticised Twitter for 'fact-checking' his posts on mail voting.

Before signing the executive order, the US president had these to say.

“We’re here today to defend free speech from one of the greatest dangers,” Trump said, slamming social media companies as a “monopoly.”

When asked why he had not deleted his Twitter account if he thinks the platform is biased, Trump blamed the media.

“If we had fair press in this country I would do that in a heartbeat,” Trump said.