Online Video Political Speech: The Questions Begin

As we were pondering the impact of online video on political speech (and vice versa), Internet voice/video expert Jeff Pulver was getting asked many of the same questions we considered by a DC based policy reporter.

Pulver says he was asked:

Can you address some of the legal issues raised by these types of videos? Broadcasters, for instance, aren't allowed to censor or edit political messages when the candidate appears on screen. That frees them from liability in the event the candidate lies or defames his opponent. Do you think similar rules should apply online?

and...

Should online video sites like YouTube fact check politicos' videos and edit out errors? Are there provisions of the DMCA that shield them from liability?

History shows that indecency rules and political speech are two leading bridge drugs to media regulatory actions.  It will be interesting to see who else asks questions about these issues as we head toward 2008 with many in the online world operating under a new rules (or no rules) ethos.

Comments

[Chris Brogan...]

I'm really *glad* you plugged your blog on videoblogging. Now I can add you to my daily read. This is great!