33 Comments
Oct 11, 2021Liked by Ben Stein

I think there need to be penalties for infringement on free speech. but don't want the Gov regulating the social media I use, and they will expand to others if they start with those.

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No. The big 3 (or 4) automakers went to Congress years ago demanding regulation of the auto industry. Congress replied "Sure, we love control, but we don't know anything about making cars." So the Big 3 said, "Well, it will be inconvenient for us, but I guess we can help set up the board." So we now have auto regulations that destroyed the "Tucker" (a brilliant start up that threatened the Big 3's oligopoly), and made sure Elon Musk couldn't open store front dealerships. I.e. it benefits the Big 3...and crushes any competition. The same will happen when Zuckerberg and his cronies form a board to regulate the free speech of social platforms. They will win. Parlor, Rumble, Bitchute, and others will be crushed by the new "important and protective" regulations they dream up. BTW: Throughout history, those who regulated free speech have never turned out to be the good guys.

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I think Facebook and Google should be regulated as utilities. After all Facebook is the defacto town square of the new millennium. Then they would have to follow similar rules allowing free speech, not be able to ban viewpoints.... Could you imagine being told you can't have a phone because of your political leanings. Twitter is another one that should be regulated as a utility as government alerts and public announcements are broadcast there.

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Honest, non-violent opinions of citizens should never, EVER be subject to government regulation, However, Big Tech should not be protected from law suits and penalties if they remove content that doesn't align with a political stance.

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I do think those big tech need to be reigned in,But I have to agree with Gary Collins.It is true the dems are in control so if they regulate they are going to stop those comments that disagree with the garbage thrown out as a comment.So I am kind of on a fence.

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No. More regulation will just result in loopholes. Best practice would be to stop using the service/product.

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We need to break up the large monopoly control of Facebook and Google. They have both managed to stifle all competition using patent lawsuits, hiring away top staff or buying out founders with a threat of retaliation if they don’t sell out. They buy elections and politicians with huge cash payouts—AKA bribes—to both politicians, political parties, mainstream media, and relatives. Those they can’t buyout, go bankrupt, get defeated or commit suicide.

More competition is needed. Consider Standard Oil. Or AT&T. Past time to act.

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Yes. Whenever a media of any kind can dominate and control the message then it needs oversight.

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Facebook has been running numerous TV ads for more regulation. Then a whistle-blower pops up. Coincidence? I think not. They want the Democrat majority to write regulations favorable to Facebook. They know a Republican majority would not favor them.

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Yes! But ONLY by US Constitution not by political parties with agendas. It’s called

Free speech.

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Normally, Government Control = controlled by corrupt morons.

However, in this case, it is essential. Facebook is controlling Government.

Controlled by Facebook = controlled by hysterical corrupt morons

We're doomed if we let sociopath Zuckeberg control our future.

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No! There job is to protect and defend these United States. And let us face facts they are not doing a great job of their primary function. They would really not do well at regulating tech. I agree something must be done, what that is however, im on the fence about.

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More & more evidence shows how Zuckerberg has changed Facebook from a communications platform to an influence platform. Either break up Facebook or revoke section 230 protection, IMO. In any case Facebook must have viable competition to help keep it from blocking free speech.

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Tough question. They are out of control but that can be said for Tech and Government. So who is going to do the regulating? Is more government going to solve anything. Did the monopoly buster policies of the past really do anything in the long run. I think they will put on the show they are doing something but in the end, we all suffer.

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Never use Fake-book or the Bird . No one really cares what my meals look like, where I eat or what I'm doing, let alone the companies who sell your interests and dislikes without compensation. My primary search engine has been duck duck go for sometime. Also use VPN as an added layer. Stop using google.. These companies feel as though they own us already. India and China, and the 2.5 billion who live there are their next payday. I encourage all who I speak with to take these spies off your cell phone and cpu.

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Smart intervention is my play. 3 ideas. 1. 230 Protection Law; 2. Monopoly Law; 3. Political contributions . Facebook should not enjoy protection since they regulate content and target free speech for certain groups. Monopoly is already prohibited, and FB probably qualifies. Political contributions in the form of suppressing opposing party articles and "fact checks", should be explored. Social media political suppression of stories that benefit their opposition should count as political contributions.

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