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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 ei
by 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.