4 ms·

You are comparing a postal service (1:1) with a broadcasting service (1:many). ISPs should be neutral carriers, but websites should be free to offer whatever se

You are comparing a postal service (1:1) with a broadcasting service (1:many). ISPs should be neutral carriers, but websites should be free to offer whatever services and terms they like. Given equal services, supply and demand should kill the ones with the most unfair ToS. The question of liability is more difficult, it might help if users had to register as real persons or companies (i.e. providing ID).

stale2002 9y ago
Why do you think that the distinction between 1:1 and 1:many matters? I see no reason why 1:many platforms shouldn't have the same protections as a 1:1 platform.
- jiggunjer 9y ago
  Because there is no established common carrier equivalent for a 1:many content service. So we are given the false choice of categorizing content platforms as either "common carrier" or "publisher", when they are actually in their own category and deserve their own legislation. It is in the public interest to prohibit moderation by 1:1 common carriers. It is not in the public interest to prohibit moderation by '1:many common carriers'. But by virtue of being 'simple' carriers, they should both be free from liability for the content. Note, however, I don't think it is very good to have these companies moderating themselves, but it's better than nothing at the moment. I'd propose legislating the scope of the moderation according to standards set by some internationally recognized ethics committee (not a government decreed scope, they are likely just as biased as a company). Alternatively, platforms could offer something like a complex filter system that allows users to implement their own moderation policies. But this would increase the burden (costs) of the provider.
- zaphirplane 9y ago
  Why should a for profit company be obligated to do something for you. Setup an irc or any xmpp server and knock your self out, oh you want to publish to people that find it offensive ! Too bad Ps you is not personally you more the wiser position
  - stale2002 9y ago
    They should be obligated to do something for the same reason that it is illegal for a phone company to eavesdrop on your phone calls and censor certain words. There are tons of protections, already in place, on large networks.

stale2002 9y ago

Why do you think that the distinction between 1:1 and 1:many matters? I see no reason why 1:many platforms shouldn't have the same protections as a 1:1 platform.

jiggunjer 9y ago
Because there is no established common carrier equivalent for a 1:many content service. So we are given the false choice of categorizing content platforms as either "common carrier" or "publisher", when they are actually in their own category and deserve their own legislation. It is in the public interest to prohibit moderation by 1:1 common carriers. It is not in the public interest to prohibit moderation by '1:many common carriers'. But by virtue of being 'simple' carriers, they should both be free from liability for the content. Note, however, I don't think it is very good to have these companies moderating themselves, but it's better than nothing at the moment. I'd propose legislating the scope of the moderation according to standards set by some internationally recognized ethics committee (not a government decreed scope, they are likely just as biased as a company). Alternatively, platforms could offer something like a complex filter system that allows users to implement their own moderation policies. But this would increase the burden (costs) of the provider.
zaphirplane 9y ago
Why should a for profit company be obligated to do something for you. Setup an irc or any xmpp server and knock your self out, oh you want to publish to people that find it offensive ! Too bad Ps you is not personally you more the wiser position
- stale2002 9y ago
  They should be obligated to do something for the same reason that it is illegal for a phone company to eavesdrop on your phone calls and censor certain words. There are tons of protections, already in place, on large networks.