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Nothing happens *yet*. The law's already on the books, like a loaded Chekov's gun: America's executive has plenary authority to nuke the internet for any "emerg
by perihelions 3y ago
Nothing happens *yet*. The law's already on the books, like a loaded Chekov's gun: America's executive has plenary authority to nuke the internet for any "emergency" the incumbent gerontocrat deems fit to declare. (See [0]). If it isn't happening every day, well, my interpretation is that that's because the thought hasn't *yet* occurred to our insane political class, to abuse this horrific power for entertainment.
(When it does start happening, it'll be obvious in hindsight we should never have let it get that far. Not that we'll be able to complain much).
[0] https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/22/representatives-propose-bill-limiting-presidential-internet-kill-switch/ https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/22/representatives-propose-bi... ("Representatives propose bill limiting presidential internet ‘kill switch’" [2020])
- seanmcdirmid 3y agoThe executive branch can shutoff the internet, but since they can’t nuke the following election, they would be MAD to do so. A lot of powers aren’t exercised simply because our elections are still somewhat fair.
- lannisterstark 3y ago>When it does start happening, it'll be obvious in hindsight we should never have let it get that far Oh I agree. We've already let our civil rights go in the gutter. Although I do think it'll be political suicide for whoever does it, unless you're also holding an iron grip on power at that point.