U.S. law specifically allows programs like OPs to exist. Summary from gypty:
The statute you are referring to is likely the *Communications Decency Act (CDA) of 1996*, specifically *Section 230(c)(2)*.
Section 230(c)(2) provides immunity to providers and users of an "interactive computer service" for actions taken in good faith to restrict access to or availability of material that the provider or user considers to be obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, excessively violent, harassing, or otherwise objectionable, whether or not such material is constitutionally protected. This includes the development and deployment of programs intended to block or filter malicious software.
This section has been crucial in allowing companies to create and distribute tools designed to protect users from harmful or unwanted content, including spam filters, antivirus programs, and parental control software, without the risk of being held liable for the consequences of their actions.
The statute you are referring to is likely the *Communications Decency Act (CDA) of 1996*, specifically *Section 230(c)(2)*.
Section 230(c)(2) provides immunity to providers and users of an "interactive computer service" for actions taken in good faith to restrict access to or availability of material that the provider or user considers to be obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, excessively violent, harassing, or otherwise objectionable, whether or not such material is constitutionally protected. This includes the development and deployment of programs intended to block or filter malicious software.
This section has been crucial in allowing companies to create and distribute tools designed to protect users from harmful or unwanted content, including spam filters, antivirus programs, and parental control software, without the risk of being held liable for the consequences of their actions.