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This is where it gets interesting - are you suggesting private companies shouldn’t be allowed to set terms of service(s)?

Would it be acceptable for the state to pass laws that severely limits private entities to do so?

There’s lot to think about here. Free speech is good and all, but is it not really about free speech in relation to the state? i.e you’ll not be thrown in jail or persecuted for saying things.

Btw, if you follow policy just a bit bellow the surface you’ll soon find that “we are always dependent on the good will of the companies without democratic control” since ways back.




Landlords and employers are already very restricted in what can be in their terms, so there is certainly precedent for it.


Yes, there are many laws dictating various businesses.

This is why it is interesting - it’s a question about regulation. State and law “interfering” with private company interests.

I like regulations on big companies in general, but this one would end up with weird effects, I reckon.


This is a straw man argument. We’re not discussing whether a private company should be allowed to have a TOS or control their TOS. We are discussing if a privately owned public communication platform used by the majority of a population should be able to control speech. Also at stake is if a large corporation should be able to have TOS that are anti competitive. (I.E. have TOS that in effect stifle competition)


The president could for example call to a press conference.

The internet is still rather open - parler could start a web site or give out a magazine.

The possible venues of free speech are numerous.




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