Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sparked controversy on CNN by calling for stricter regulations on social media, warning that without them, “we lose total control,” echoing similar sentiments from John Kerry about re-evaluating First Amendment protections.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton voiced strong concerns about the impact of social media on society during her appearance on CNN’s “Smerconish” this past Saturday. She warned that without more stringent regulations, “we lose total control,” emphasizing the need for immediate national action to combat the harmful effects of unregulated online content.
Clinton's remarks come on the heels of similar comments from another former Democratic Secretary of State, John Kerry, who also called for a reevaluation of First Amendment protections in the context of social media. Both leaders have sparked a heated debate about free speech and the responsibilities of social media platforms.
In her interview, Clinton highlighted Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which currently provides internet platforms immunity from liability for user-generated content. “We need to be repealing something called Section 230,” she stated, arguing that the law, initially designed to treat platforms as neutral pass-throughs, no longer reflects the realities of the online world. “If they don’t moderate and monitor the content, we lose total control,” she asserted, referencing the dangers of child exploitation and threats of violence that can proliferate unchecked on these platforms.
Clinton called for a comprehensive approach to social media regulation, urging Congress to prioritize the issue as a critical component of legislative agendas. She proposed removing the immunity from liability for social media companies, suggesting that they need “guardrails” and regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety of users, particularly children.
Clinton also touched on the effects of smartphones on young people, expressing her support for schools that are beginning to implement policies to limit phone usage. “We’ve conducted a big experiment on ourselves and particularly our kids,” she noted, adding, “I think the evidence is in.”
Her comments reflect a growing concern among some lawmakers and public figures regarding the impact of social media on mental health, misinformation, and societal cohesion. As the debate continues, questions about the balance between free speech and the need for regulation in the digital age remain at the forefront of political discourse.