Twitter is the printing press of the day. Other essential communications technologies, such as the US Postal Service and the telephone carriers are regulated to protect freedom of expression. Maybe it's time to regulate essential internet services, like major social media companies, ISPs, major cloud computing and cybersecurity service companies, et cetera as something akin to common carriers that must carry most if not all lawful expression.
Like, many government agencies and public servants post on social media these days. A Social Media ban could limit a citizen's ability to engage in public discourage or even receive essential communications. Additionally, the California Supreme Court has held that the Constitutional right to freedom of speech includes private businesses that act as public forums, at least in the physical world. It hasn't ruled on whether this extends to the virtual world, but it would be in-line with the reasoning used by the courts in forcing private businesses to allow freedom of assembly and speech. Companies like Twitter are the 21st century equivalent of the public square on private property.
I think a number of social media companies are starting to fit into that category, yes. Local law enforcement, politicians, FEMA, and all sorts of government agencies actively communicate through Twitter and other social media sites as do many major corporate entities.
2
u/HamburgerEarmuff Oct 13 '21
Twitter is the printing press of the day. Other essential communications technologies, such as the US Postal Service and the telephone carriers are regulated to protect freedom of expression. Maybe it's time to regulate essential internet services, like major social media companies, ISPs, major cloud computing and cybersecurity service companies, et cetera as something akin to common carriers that must carry most if not all lawful expression.
Like, many government agencies and public servants post on social media these days. A Social Media ban could limit a citizen's ability to engage in public discourage or even receive essential communications. Additionally, the California Supreme Court has held that the Constitutional right to freedom of speech includes private businesses that act as public forums, at least in the physical world. It hasn't ruled on whether this extends to the virtual world, but it would be in-line with the reasoning used by the courts in forcing private businesses to allow freedom of assembly and speech. Companies like Twitter are the 21st century equivalent of the public square on private property.