Author Warns That Section 230 Protects Tech Giants Even as They Destroy Civil Society

HUDSON, N.Y. - Sept. 9, 2024 - PRLog -- A groundbreaking new book, Army of Liars: How Digital Media and Artificial Intelligence Are Corrupting and Endangering Humanity by Andrew V. Edwards, reveals the disturbing truth about how unregulated social media companies are profiting from targeted disinformation that is tearing society apart.

In Army of Liars, published by Rowman & Littlefield (now part of Bloomsbury Publishing) Edwards takes readers on a deep dive into how social media platforms, shielded by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, have become breeding grounds for AI-driven disinformation campaigns that manipulate public opinion, amplify divisive content, and threaten democratic processes. The book argues that while these tech giants rake in billions of dollars from user engagement, they remain largely unaccountable for the societal harm caused by the spread of false and misleading information.

"Social media companies are not neutral platforms—they are profit-driven entities that exploit algorithms to maximize engagement, often at the expense of truth and societal cohesion," says Edwards. "The immunity provided by Section 230 allows these companies to evade responsibility for the chaos they help create, and it's time for a critical examination of how we regulate these platforms."

Army of Liars breaks down the mechanisms by which analytics and algorithms are weaponized to create targeted echo chambers, foster polarization, and undermine public trust. It raises urgent concerns about how AI-powered misinformation is leveraged to manipulate political outcomes, stir social conflict, and erode democratic institutions.

Key topics discussed in the book include:

• The role of algorithms in creating and reinforcing echo chambers that deepen societal divisions.
• How Section 230 shields social media companies from liability, enabling them to profit from harmful disinformation.
• The use of generative AI to amplify polarizing content and weaponize misinformation.
• The impact of unregulated tech on public discourse, trust in institutions, and national security.