2 ms·

I'm not sure you will always be able to, if current trends continue. Deplatforming from everywhere that matters is effectively banning. We worry when Russia and

by the_af 5y ago

I'm not sure you will always be able to, if current trends continue. Deplatforming from everywhere that matters is effectively banning. We worry when Russia and China do it, and we should also worry when the US and Europe do it too. PS: we are talking about news coverage and outlets, not "loons". Please don't add unwanted "color" to this debate.

woodruffw 5y ago
You'll note that in countries like Russia and China, you can end up in prison for contradicting the state or publishing information that doesn't comport with its narrative. I don't think there's any meaningful sense in which a nastygram from Facebook telling you that you've been banned can compare to the material threats that such countries hold over the heads of their citizens. Our worry (which often feels performative) is largely rooted in that. If you want to fight against "current trends," then you need to stop delivering undue power to private corporations and expecting the government to haphazardly legislate you out of your problems (the basis for that legislation is left as a continued exercise, given that there is absolutely no 1A basis for compelling companies to distribute speech.)
- the_af 5y ago
  > You'll note that in countries like Russia and China, you can end up in prison for contradicting the state or publishing information that doesn't comport with its narrative. Yes, in the West we're not quite there yet. We are just simply removing access to dissenting voices. Only for those we deem "enemies", of course. For now. > you need to stop delivering undue power to private corporations and expecting the government to haphazardly legislate you out of your problems I'm not sure where this non sequitur comes from, but regardless: which government? From which country do you think I'm from?

2 ms·

I'm not sure you will always be able to, if current trends continue. Deplatforming from everywhere that matters is effectively banning. We worry when Russia and

by the_af 5y ago

woodruffw 5y ago
You'll note that in countries like Russia and China, you can end up in prison for contradicting the state or publishing information that doesn't comport with its narrative. I don't think there's any meaningful sense in which a nastygram from Facebook telling you that you've been banned can compare to the material threats that such countries hold over the heads of their citizens. Our worry (which often feels performative) is largely rooted in that. If you want to fight against "current trends," then you need to stop delivering undue power to private corporations and expecting the government to haphazardly legislate you out of your problems (the basis for that legislation is left as a continued exercise, given that there is absolutely no 1A basis for compelling companies to distribute speech.)
- the_af 5y ago
  > You'll note that in countries like Russia and China, you can end up in prison for contradicting the state or publishing information that doesn't comport with its narrative. Yes, in the West we're not quite there yet. We are just simply removing access to dissenting voices. Only for those we deem "enemies", of course. For now. > you need to stop delivering undue power to private corporations and expecting the government to haphazardly legislate you out of your problems I'm not sure where this non sequitur comes from, but regardless: which government? From which country do you think I'm from?