In case you don’t remember, new social media site Parler was shut down after the Jan. 6 mess “because of continued posting on the Platform that ‘seeks to incite ongoing violence in the U.S.'” (See Parler Back up After Social Media Platform Shut Down for Over a Month)
People pointed out that Facebook was used far more than Parler to plan Jan. 6, but … nevermind. Facebook is a liberal company and Parler is (allegedly) a conservative company, so different rules apply.
And now, the Facebook whistleblower is confirming that yes, Facebook was just as guilty.
Will anything be done? I’m not holding my breath. I doubt Congress has the courage to go after Facebook and risk losing their campaign contributions.
Aren’t both Facebook and Amazon (Parler’s host) private companies? As such, wouldn’t they get to decide how their platforms operate (within the bounds of the law), without interference from the government?
That said, Congress should investigate all major social media platforms relative to Jan 6 and determine if there was a violation of law or severe threat. If so, then they should act accordingly. If not, allow the platforms to make independent operational decisions. As well, if consumers think the platforms are acting in an inappropriate (but lawful) manner, let them decide by their participation (or lack thereof).
There is a good argument that they are not private companies — at least when it comes to things like free speech. They enforce government mandates on speech, therefore they become subject to the same restrictions that apply to the government.
It may be an argument, but until it’s legally enforceable they are able to operate as private companies. As such, as long as they are compliant, government intervention should be limited.
Seems conservatives have a bit of a Catch-22 relative to Facebook. Who will prevail…conservative media or conservative government leaders?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/abrambrown/2021/10/07/frances-haugen-facebook-whistleblower-bongino-shapiro-posobiec-daily-wire/?sh=2a94a1205eca
It’s usually safe to assume so-called “conservatives” in government (Senators, Representatives, etc.) are going to pretend to have principles but do some cowardly thing that capitulates to the left.
In this case, if they capitulate it will be to the right (the type that make their reputation and money by complaining about the left).