Pai drops Trump executive order to amend Section 230

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Ajit Pai Ajit PaiOvernight Defense: US aircraft carrier staying in Mideast in abrupt reversal | DC Guard activated ahead of pro-Trump protests | 10 former Defense secretaries speak out against military involvement in election dispute Improved economic analysis should be lasting part of Pai's FCC legacy Hillicon Valley: New FCC commissioner's arrival signals gridlock early next year | FCC rejects Huawei appeal of national security threat designation | Top election security official to depart federal cyber agency MORE will not move forward with rulemaking on President Trump Donald TrumpCapitol Police officer dies following riots Donor who gave millions to Hawley urges Senate to censure him for 'irresponsible' behavior Kellyanne Conway condemns violence, supports Trump in statement on Capitol riots MORE’s executive order targeting a key online liability law, he said Thursday.

Pai said on C-SPAN’s "The Communicators" that there is not enough time left in the Trump administration to amend Section 230 of the Communications Decency Action, which grants internet companies liability protection for content posted by third parties and good faith moderation.

“Given that reality, I do not believe it's appropriate to move forward,” he said, according to an edited transcript of the interview from Protocol.

Pai had announced in October that the agency would be moving forward with the executive order.

That decision drew harsh criticism from the two Democrats on the commission, as well as lawmakers who questioned the FCC’s ability to clarify the meaning of laws in the way that the order demanded.

Pai is set to step down from the agency at the beginning of President-elect Joe Biden Joe BidenCapitol Police officer dies following riots Rep. Joaquin Castro wants to prevent Federal government from ever naming buildings, property after Trump Tucker Carlson: Trump 'recklessly encouraged' Capitol rioters MORE’s term, and with Democrats set to control the Senate, they will now be able to confirm a nominee to give them a 3-2 advantage on the FCC.

The last FCC meeting with Pai in charge is set for next Wednesday.