Elements of the Internet have obviously evolved to the status of “common carrier”. What was done to Parler violates, fundamentally, the principle of free speech. But it also demonstrates the monopolistic power of what is coined as Big Tech: Apple, Google, Amazon and an array of powerful Internet companies that can erase your existence on the Internet.
Some have asked why I have planted the logo of Parler on my LinkedIn profile as well as on the Facebook profile. In fact, some have expressed deep concern that I have fallen off the deep end, embracing QAnon, 4Chan and 8Chan or Charlie Chan. They have missed the point.
The point is who has the right to exist on the Internet? Who has the authority to determine whether a person or a corporation can communicate? Who has the authority to determine if a person or corporation can engage in commerce?
The answer is quite obvious in the United States. It is us. We establish how the public engages in speech through laws. The U.S. Constitution establishes the right to free speech. Law establishes that all speech is permissible except you cannot yell “Fire” in a theater unless there is one. Law also determines what is abusive or threatening language. Civil law provides for liability when a person says anything false that produces evidence of damages.
In essence – it is law that determines if a person or a corporation has a right to exist. Can ATT take your phone away because someone complains about what you said over your telephone? Can your local bank close your account because it found out you voted for a particular candidate? Can a grocery store refuse access because you wear an NRA badge on your jacket?
Elements of the Internet have obviously evolved to the status of “common carrier”. What was done to Parler violates, fundamentally, the principle of free speech. But it also demonstrates the monopolistic power of what is coined as Big Tech: Apple, Google, Amazon and an array of powerful Internet companies that can erase your existence on the Internet.
This is dangerous. Amazon, fundamentally, violated a service contract that destroyed a company. GoDaddy, fundamentally, violated a trust that serves the global community by removing DNS registries for companies. The reality is that powerful corporations that control the Internet can determine who plays in the marketplace of ideas and technology. That’s the reality – today.
I, as an American, will not put up with it. It must be resisted.
A small part of the resistance begins with a statement – and this is a small one. By planting the Parler logo on my profile I make a statement.
The next step will be to take action. That will follow as I evaluate the situation. There are alternatives out there, and there is movement afoot amongst many groups of people who feel just like I do, on both sides of the aisle.
Read More On Parler
Be sure to check out Disaster Recovery — The Case of Parler. This article explores the steps businesses need to take to mitigate the effects of censorship and deplatforming.
© Copyright 2021 to Eric Niewoehner