The principle is that the network can become federated, which makes it possible to switch providers while remaining on the same network. This allows there to be

The principle is that the network can become federated, which makes it possible to switch providers while remaining on the same network. This allows there to be competition between providers. Presumably, providers would compete based on their ability to protect your data. Facebook, on the other hand, competes almost solely based on the size of their network, which eclipses every other factor like accountability.