Trump Bid to Weaken Social Media Shield Opens for Comment at FCC

The Federal Communications Commission will take comments for 45 days on President Donald Trump’s proposal to weaken liability protection for social-media companies such as Twitter Inc., the agency’s chairman said.

The step ensures the that administration’s request will get a hearing before the independent agency.

Both members of the FCC’s Democratic minority have objected to Trump’s request. For instance, Commissioner Geoffrey Starks earlier said the administration “has not made the case that Congress gave the FCC any role” in interpreting the law around online social media.

“We should welcome vigorous debate -- not foreclose it,” FCC Chairman Ajit ...