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Rand Paul Abandons Defense of Section 230, Vows Legislation After YouTube Defamation Fight

Paul says Google told him it does not verify the truth of user accusations.

Overview

  • In a New York Post op-ed, the Kentucky senator said major platforms should lose liability shields for hosting defamatory content.
  • He cited a YouTube video alleging he took money from Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro that remained online for roughly three weeks.
  • Paul says Google initially declined to remove the clip after formal notice, stating it does not investigate truthfulness.
  • The video's creator later removed it under threat of legal penalty, yet the allegation kept circulating and Paul reports receiving death threats.
  • The shift departs from Paul’s years of defending Section 230, and he now plans legislation while saying Google and YouTube deserve to be sued.