Are websites protected from liability for content published by its users?

Yes, websites are generally protected from liability for content published by its users. This protection combines two different legal concepts - immunities granted by federal law and the principles of the common law of defamation. Under federal law, websites are protected by the Communications Decency Act of 1996 (CDA). Generally, this act states that websites are not liable for content published by third parties on their sites, including users of the site. This means that websites can host content made or posted by its users without fear of being sued. In addition, websites are protected by the common law of defamation. In North Carolina, a person or group that publishes or circulates defamatory information can be held liable. However, websites are not usually considered liable for this type of information, as the website itself is not met to have published or circulated the material. Therefore, when it comes to material published on websites by its users, websites are generally protected from liability. However, websites should still take reasonable measures to monitor the content published on their sites and take steps to remove any content they believe to be defamatory.

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