What is Section 203 of the communications Act?
Asked by: Dr. Jessica Leffler | Last update: February 18, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (66 votes)
Section 203 of the U.S. Communications Act generally refers to the requirement for common carriers (like phone companies) to file and publish their rates (tariffs) with the FCC, prohibiting discriminatory pricing, but the number "203" also appears in other important laws like the Communications Decency Act (Section 230 related to immunity) and the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (STELA) (modifying satellite rules). So, its meaning depends heavily on the context: it's about common carrier tariffs in the original Act, but in modern internet discussions, people often mean Section 230, which protects online platforms from liability for user content, a huge part of internet law.
What is Section 203 of the Communications Decency Act?
Section 203(c)(l) of the Communications Decency Act immunizes an "interactive computer service" (such as YouTube, Google, Facebook and Twitter) for "publish[ing] ... information provided by another" "information content provider" (such as someone who posts a video on YouTube or a statement on Facebook).
What is the Communications Act 203?
An Act to confer functions on the Office of Communications; to make provision about the regulation of the provision of electronic communications networks and services and of the use of the electro-magnetic spectrum; to make provision about the regulation of broadcasting and of the provision of television and radio ...
What is Section 230 in simple terms?
In simple terms, Section 230 is a U.S. law that protects websites and social media platforms (like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) from being sued for what their users post, essentially saying they aren't the "publisher" of third-party content, but rather a host. It also protects them from being held liable for removing objectionable content in good faith, encouraging platforms to moderate without fear of lawsuits for doing so, though debates continue over its scope, especially with algorithmic recommendations.
What is Section 203 of the Contract Act?
Short Summary Section 203 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872, outlines the conditions under which the principal can revoke the authority given to an agent before the agent has exercised that authority. However, the principal must compensate the agent for any losses suffered due to the revocation.
Section 230, Explained
What is Section 203 of the Secure Act?
SECURE Act, Section 203 requires participant benefit statements to include a lifetime income disclosure only for defined contribution plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA).
What is Section 203 read with the rule 8?
KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL (SECTION 203)
Further, as per Rule 8A of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, a company other than a company which is required to appoint a whole time key managerial personnel as discussed above and which is having paid up share capital of Rs.
Can you legally stop someone from posting about you on social media?
Keep in mind that every platform has a different privacy policy, so the individual that posts may think they did nothing wrong. However, if the images or videos belong to you, there are three ways that you can take control, including citing invasion of privacy, defamation, and a violation of right of publicity.
Why did the Supreme Court overturn the Communications Decent Act of 1996?
In 1997, the Supreme Court ruled in Reno v. ACLU that the federal Communications Decency Act (CDA) is an unconstitutional restriction on free speech. The landmark ruling affirmed the dangers of censoring what one judge called "the most participatory form of mass speech yet developed."
What are the 5 limits to freedom of speech?
Five key limits to freedom of speech include incitement to violence, true threats, defamation, obscenity/child pornography, and speech integral to criminal conduct, all of which are generally unprotected because they cause direct harm, incite immediate illegal acts, or involve other serious offenses like fraud or perjury, despite free speech protecting even offensive or unpopular ideas.
Can I sue for malicious communication?
Under Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003, a person is also guilty of an offence if the purpose of their communication is to cause annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another. Malicious communications can include: Making hoax calls.
What are the key points of the Communications Act?
Key highlights include stricter content standards, digital switchover facilitation, and provisions for electronic communications services and networks. The Act was crucial for adapting regulatory frameworks to technological advancements and the evolving interests of consumers and industries in the 21st century.
What are the Offences under the Communications Act 2003?
the summary offences under section 127(1) CA 2003 (sending via a public communications network a message which is grossly offensive, indecent, obscene, or menacing); and, under section 127(2)(c) CA 2003, of persistently making inappropriate use of a public communications network.
What are the criticisms of Section 230?
Section 230's Liability Protections Are Too Broad
A common argument against Section 230 contends that, though the law itself may have been well intended, the courts' interpretation of the law is overbroad.
What is the penal code 203?
Every person who unlawfully and maliciously deprives a human being of a member of his body, or disables, disfigures, or renders it useless, or cuts or disables the tongue, or puts out an eye, or slits the nose, ear, or lip, is guilty of mayhem.
What is the 3 month rule for copyright?
The "copyright 3 month rule" refers to a key deadline for U.S. copyright registration: you must register your work within three months of its first publication (or before infringement begins) to be eligible to claim statutory damages and attorney's fees in a copyright infringement lawsuit, which can be crucial for remedies beyond just an injunction. Failing to meet this deadline means you generally can only sue for actual damages (harder to prove) if infringement occurs, but registration is still vital for other benefits and to sue at all, notes Donahue Fitzgerald LLP and Cotman IP.
What did the Supreme Court rule on Trump's immunity?
In an opinion concurring in part, Justice Amy Coney Barrett agreed in granting presidential immunity for the core constitutional powers of a president, arguing that such immunity meant that a president could obtain interlocutory review of the "constitutionality of a criminal statute as applied to official acts".
Which two laws did the Supreme Court declare to be unconstitutional?
The Supreme Court declared two major New Deal laws unconstitutional: the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) in 1935 and the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) in 1936, striking down federal overreach in economic regulation, followed by rulings against state laws like minimum wage, leading to intense conflict with President Roosevelt.
Did the Supreme Court rule that the Communications and Decency Act did not violate the First Amendment right to free speech?
Yes. The Court held that the Act violated the First Amendment because its regulations amounted to a content-based blanket restriction of free speech.
Can someone post a picture of me on social media without my permission?
Publishing images of you without your consent
If you took the photo, you usually own it. But, if you didn't take the photo but you are in it, someone could breach your rights (such as data protection or privacy rights) by posting it. This can be true even if you do not own the copyright to it.
What proof is needed for defamation?
To prove defamation (libel or slander), you generally need to show a defendant made a false statement of fact, communicated it to a third party, with at least negligence (or actual malice for public figures), that it was about you, and that it caused you actual harm or damages, like reputational or financial loss, with truth being a strong defense.
What to do if someone keeps posting about you?
Block the offending accounts - If the perpetrator is persistent then block the social media, email and instant messaging accounts used. There is a chance that the perpetrator will create new profiles and continue the abuse, but simply report and block again.
What is the applicability of Section 203?
Every listed company and every other public company having a paid-up share capital of ten crore rupees or more shall have whole-time key managerial personnel. Every private company which has a paid up share capital of ten crore rupees or more shall have a whole -time company secretary.
What is section 203?
Section 203 provides: "Whenever any State or political subdivision [covered by the section] provides registration or voting notices, forms, instructions, assistance, or other materials or information relating to the electoral process, including ballots, it shall provide them in the language of the applicable minority ...
What is the rule 8 and 8A?
(b) Another way of reading it is that Rule 8 covers all listed companies and other public companies with paid up capital of 10 crores or more. Accordingly Rule 8A covers all private companies with paid up capital of 5 crores or more and unlisted public companies with paid up capital between 5 to 10 crores.