Live data from Hacker News

People want platforms, not governments, to be responsible for moderating content

reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk

1–10 of 152 posts

Re: People want platforms, not governments, to be responsible for moderating content

#2
I think this might be a misinterpretation of the word "responsible".

If a platform lies or spread malicious content, it seems people want the platform to have the liability and consequences for the malfeasance. That is what most people mean by "responsible".

Government sets the rules, and if someone fail to comply, there are consequences against those responsible. Government isn't responsible, it is holding them responsible.

Re: People want platforms, not governments, to be responsible for moderating content

#3
I really struggle to understand why these companies think they need to function like governments when it comes to removing content from their platforms. Does it really all boil down to protecting any engagement at all costs?

The men running these company live like wannabe kings but have absolutely no backbone when it comes to having a stance about moderating for basic decency and are profiting greatly off of festering trash heaps. Additionally, they're complete cowards in the face of their nihilistic shareholders.

Re: People want platforms, not governments, to be responsible for moderating content

#8

I really struggle to understand why these companies think they need to function like governments when it comes to removing content from their platforms. Does it really all boil down to protecting any engagement at all costs? The men running these company live like wannabe kings but have absolutely no backbone when it comes to having a stance about moderating for basic decency and are profiting greatly off of festerin…

Turns out that echo chambers with manufactured consensus are quite profitable.

Re: People want platforms, not governments, to be responsible for moderating content

#9
post #7

Actually, no, reasonable people do not want either platforms or governments to moderate content. Who defines what "problematic content" is?

You are posting on a platform that has a moderation policy and takes active measures to to moderate away problematic content. The guidelines are here https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html and they clearly state what content is off limits.

Re: People want platforms, not governments, to be responsible for moderating content

#10
Two takeaways: 1. As per headline, rejection of state censorship. 2. Platforms should be responsible for user posts.

"Q17D. In your opinion, should each of the following platforms be held responsible or not responsible for showing potentially false information that users post? Base: Total sample in each country ≈ 2000."

Around the world, appx. 70% said yes. The rub, of course, is coming up with a framework. The poll suggests that the DMCA approach of no duty is widely unpopular. However, strict liability would ensure that that these industries go away, and even a reasonableness standard seems like a headache.

Post reply on HN