Regardless of your political persuasion, I believe everyone should be concerned about the recent censorship we have seen from Facebook, Google, Twitter, Amazon, Instagram (owned by Facebook), GoDaddy, and Youtube (owned by Google).
It is one thing to remove child pornography, violence, and other forms of abusive content. I believe the companies also should censor calls for patently illegal activity such as storming the Capital building or burning down a CVS as part of your “protest.”
But what troubles me most is the double standard we have seen. During much of 2020 all these platforms were used to organize and rally for left-leaning causes. Many of those protests turned into incidents of looting, violence, and significant property damage. Just like the rally at the Capital, those illegal activities were done by a small percentage of the people on the platform. The majority of folks were either just venting or did not put words to action. Yet, when the cause was “progressive” these companies did not punish the whole for the actions of a few.
It isn’t even debatable. Facebook, Google, and Amazon didn’t shut down left-leaning groups like they’ve done to Trump, Parler, etc. Use #stopthesteal in your post and it doesn’t matter what else you have to say – post is gone. A news report today shows that Facebook is banning ads for entirely legal accessories like gun holsters as a measure against “domestic terrorism.” Talk about building up strawmen.
Do you really think anyone intent on disrupting the transfer from one administration to another is going to be flummoxed by not being able to buy a kydex holster on Facebook a few days before the inauguration?
No, it has to be more than that. These folks hate people like you and me. They hate anyone who disagrees with them and they’re willing to flex their heckler’s veto.
As private companies they can censor whomever they want. As a consumer, I don’t have to use their services, and you don’t either. Delete their app and close your account. If you’re a shareholder in a company, you have a voice with the board. Spend your money elsewhere. Let’s also remind Congress that Section 230 was designed to protect user-posted content but when a company starts (selectively) editing the content then maybe that Section 230 protection should not apply.
In the meantime, enjoy this beautiful nighttime photo of a local Chattanooga landmark.
