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The argument here isn't really whether Google has the right to censor free speech or not. It clearly does, the First Amendment only applies to the government.
by klondike_ 9y ago
The argument here isn't really whether Google has the right to censor free speech or not. It clearly does, the First Amendment only applies to the government.
The real issue here is how much control two companies have over nearly all of the country's computing. These devices are locked down to the point where Apple or Google choose what you can and can't do with your device, and give the user few ways around it (At least Android allows sideloading apps). Free computing will soon be dead.
The internet isn't as bad, but is headed in the same direction. Information is being increasingly consolidated into CDNs. While you can still host a server yourself, I fear that soon that will be dis-incentivized: Just look at Google AMP. Not to mention the shaky status of Net Neutrality at the moment.
None of this is illegal of course, private companies are free to do what they wish. However, the way things are heading is depressing.
- emmelaich 9y ago> The argument here isn't really whether Google has the right to censor free speech or not. It clearly does, the First Amendment only applies to the government. Mostly true but not completely true. Look up penumbral constitutional rights. 1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penumbra_(law) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penumbra_(law) 2. https://journalism.ku.edu/cherry-picked-professor-studies-how-first-amendment-applies-private-companies-regulate-online-speech https://journalism.ku.edu/cherry-picked-professor-studies-ho...