This will push towards a balkanization of the
Internet at the platform level as people will
want to self-determine the terms of service
for the basis of their communication.
This seems like a good outcome. Rather than arguing about whether or not Facebook and Twitter should allow various kinds of content, folks can choose the sorts of spaces to which they'd rather belong. And it's not like you have to pick one and only one. It just seems like a non-problem.
My feeling is that most people would not like to belong to a space where open racism and other abhorrent views are tolerated and encouraged.
Those that do can have their fringe spaces, but they shouldn't expect mainstream companies to help them do so.
At the level of speech, yes I agree with you. It becomes a problem when these commercial platforms meddle with government business and the social contract. Things everyone is supposed to have and equally. This means access to fundamental goods and services – health, banking, food and water, employment, emancipation, etc. Software only gets to eat the world if it involves itself in every industry and aspect of life, end to end. And no one makes money in startups unless you are a unicorn (unlikely) or acquired by a large existing player (more likely). Where does this go in a post-COVID recovery with 60% unemployment and the destruction of small business?
I never thought I would say this, but I have become a fan of Europe's approach to regulation. They've pushed for GDPR which at least gets us the ability to obtain and delete our data, they've acknowledged the right to repair, and as self-serving as it may be, they understand the ramifications of a unilateral takedown of the communications of a head of state – particularly the precedent it sets. They will likely continue their fight until they've setup their own alternatives to SV-based infrastructure.
My feeling is that most people would not like to belong to a space where open racism and other abhorrent views are tolerated and encouraged.
Those that do can have their fringe spaces, but they shouldn't expect mainstream companies to help them do so.