That the internet is now the predominant medium of communication is no longer a subject of debate… however the battle over who controls the channels of communication within it is the biggest issue of this time. While the “free market” side of me continues to desire laissez-faire approach, it’s undeniable that the current concentration of internet control over content in the hands of a very few players who share a common political motive demands governmental intervention. As has been widely discussed, there are definite grounds for an anti-trust action against “big tech” to likely include breaking up these vertically-integrated monolithic goliaths. I do not believe this will fully address the message control element at the end of the day as the same people with the same ideologies will remain in management of the separate pieces and any “competitive balance” achieved will be temporary.

By the same token, I don’t believe conversion of the big platforms into “Public Utilities” operating within a highly regulated environment is an answer to the current problems. Do you really want an internet that functions with all the efficiency and transparency of a Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) yet is still “entitled” under law to charging a rate structure which guarantees them a profit and ROI as a protected monopoly?

The “Public Square” of old may be part of the overall solution… a “publicly owned space” on the internet that operates with about the same level of regulation as most public parks: You can’t run around naked and wanking in it, threatening violence on others is not allowed, and you can’t use the space for commercial promotion purposes. Using the park is optional – anyone not comfortable in it is free to crawl back into their echo-chamber safe spaces (such as Twitter, Gab, Parler, Facebook, Instagram, etc). Freedom of association is preserved, which is not only a right but pretty much human nature to begin with (birds of a feather and such). The Public Square is open to soap boxes of all persuasions… and no one is above challenge on the level playing field. It’s free, accessible, and without an imposed agenda. Even people from TDW could venture there – given their willingness to face the fire!

What say y’all?