3 ms·

I wonder whether we will see something similar to public utilities in the web. Companies like Google would be required to provide a basic service to basically

I wonder whether we will see something similar to public utilities in the web. Companies like Google would be required to provide a basic service to basically everyone and are required to go through a court before suspending accounts (or maybe just some core features). On one hand it would enshrine their position in the market, on the other hand it would remove some of their ability to make arbitrary decisions with no recourse and no information why it hapended.

Manheim 5y ago
That's an interesting idea and it correlates with the idea of "the right to access the internet". Maybe we will see this happen through similar standards we have for bank accounts and money transfers, or even electricity as we have in many countries. I think it at least some of the infrastructural services like storage and email should be regulated in one way or the other
Karunamon 5y ago
No need to tie it to any specific company, tie it to user count instead. With increased reach comes increased responsibilities to society.
phone8675309 5y ago
The telecommunications name for this is a "common carrier". The flip side is that they are only liable for damage they do and are held not liable for the things sent through their system.
mattlondon 5y ago
Why would they need to go to court to shut you off? At least in the UK utilities such as electric or gas only need to go to court to get a warrant to access your property to physically disconnect you - I do not believe the court process is about the disconnection itself, but rather the physical access to your home to physically cut you off. For a digital service they'd just cut you off without needing a warrant to access your home. But anyway, public utilities need to be paid for - I can't imagine people being too pleased to suddenly need to start paying for things like email or search (Google or otherwise).
- arlcode 5y ago
  Maybe a court isn't needed, but strict effective regulation is in my opinion. That would probably involve payment but not prevent others from entering the market. Where I am located there is one designated electricity provider who must service everyone (and is usually more expensive). People are free to switch if they want. I feel like the free market is not doing particularly well in basic digital services like file storage or communication. While there is some competition on price, all providers reserve themselves the right to cut you off for no reason at all without due process. Their rules are intransparent and are inforced by dependent employees.

Manheim 5y ago

That's an interesting idea and it correlates with the idea of "the right to access the internet". Maybe we will see this happen through similar standards we have for bank accounts and money transfers, or even electricity as we have in many countries. I think it at least some of the infrastructural services like storage and email should be regulated in one way or the other

Karunamon 5y ago

No need to tie it to any specific company, tie it to user count instead. With increased reach comes increased responsibilities to society.

phone8675309 5y ago

The telecommunications name for this is a "common carrier". The flip side is that they are only liable for damage they do and are held not liable for the things sent through their system.

mattlondon 5y ago

Why would they need to go to court to shut you off? At least in the UK utilities such as electric or gas only need to go to court to get a warrant to access your property to physically disconnect you - I do not believe the court process is about the disconnection itself, but rather the physical access to your home to physically cut you off. For a digital service they'd just cut you off without needing a warrant to access your home. But anyway, public utilities need to be paid for - I can't imagine people being too pleased to suddenly need to start paying for things like email or search (Google or otherwise).

arlcode 5y ago
Maybe a court isn't needed, but strict effective regulation is in my opinion. That would probably involve payment but not prevent others from entering the market. Where I am located there is one designated electricity provider who must service everyone (and is usually more expensive). People are free to switch if they want. I feel like the free market is not doing particularly well in basic digital services like file storage or communication. While there is some competition on price, all providers reserve themselves the right to cut you off for no reason at all without due process. Their rules are intransparent and are inforced by dependent employees.