Source: Advisor Perspectives
After I wrote a few pieces about the social media firms banning bad actors (including POTUS) on their platforms, Robert Huebscher of Advisor Perspectives reached out to discuss. We swapped a few emails on it, and at his suggestion, we recorded a debate on the topic.
To be fair to Robert, I think his side of the debate is much harder to argue. These are all private actors, so there are no First amendment issue; And as I emphasize, these are private, for profit companies. If they are not permitted to control their own platforms, it turns private property into a meaningless concept.
I am frequently unhappy with the decisions Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg makes, but what is the alternative? Letting Senators Ted Cruz and Elizabeth Warren, or Representatives Matt Gaetz and AOC determine what we hear and read? No thanks!
If you think Facebook sucks, then you can (as I did) vote with your feet + dollars, and go elsewhere.
Putting Congress in charge of content is not a solution I endorse . . .
Previously:
Platform Decision Making Authority vs Outcomes (February 4, 2021)
Tyranny & Terms of Service (January 18, 2021)
Silicon Valley De-Platforming: Freedom & Censorship (January 13, 2021)
Why isn’t Twitter Monetizing Its Users? (October 13, 2016)
My laughably long Comment Policy (2008)
