So Gab uses the "Internet Shield" and we are using the "Internet Sword" I guess?
I think it's weird.. When a platform does not moderate it's content it's not responsible for it? WTF
A government has to full fill freedom of speech, not a social platform! Any platform can create it's own rules and ban users for not complying as simple as that..
It's not that you don't have "free speech", people/platform just don't wanna listen to your shit if you get banned.
It's a deep rabbit hole. Peeps. Most of us has no idea what moderating content is, how many scammers and bad users pop up constantly and now being pressured by a growing numbers of laws in several countries to moderate content, give feedback as to why you removed a user, a means to appeal etc.. That said, I can't agree with stux at face value, I don't think the question is a as simple as just ban, guilt free.
EU laws for marketplace platforms. Platforms have to follow a number of strict procedures to remover a 'partner'. I think something was being worked on for common users too.
Platforms already have to follow rules for businesses.
Some reporting here on the follow up
> we have concerns that platforms, rather than courts, are increasingly becoming the arbiters of what speech can or cannot be posted online
I don't think it's obvious that it's better for courts to be the arbiters of acceptable speech than it is for platforms to be. If a platform moderates in a way you disapprove of, you can go to a different one. If a country has a law that you disapprove of, what do you do? Move to a different country? Learn a whole new language? Put down new roots and everything? Huge hassle.
Is a jury required for these cases? If so then I can see why it might be better for being more democratic.
That's an extreme case. The point is that it should be at partially law regulated process.
The platforms have rules, you can be kicked if you break them but there should be a way to appeal or review this process somewhat so isn't completely arbitrary. That's what I get but it's very complex and should vary depending on the size of the platform.
Yes as by challenging the rules can be adapted and made more effective.
And yes there are concerning law proposals around the vague concepts of hate speech and fake news.
A jury should not be required but a person or business might have the possibility to appeal.
This will likely take power from platforms to the state, but I think it's a balance we need, specially for big platforms.
The danger is overregulation and state censorship.
BBC news report
Online clothes sellers targeted by 'creepy' messages
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-55661022
Highlights some of the many problems admins, moderators and platforms are facing,
What I know for sure is in practice is:
a) before removing a business, there must be previous notice, within a specific timeframe
b) there must be transparency to the affected business as to why it's being removed
c) an appeal process is available
Who does one appeal to, in a court of law you are tried before your peers, hence a jury is made from 12 people from the general population who DO NOT know you or have to disclose any connections (then someone is fond to replace them) a judge is also impartial.
Put your self in the position of the person being banned would you like to be named and shamed in public.?
This platform is about privacy and getting away from the 'mob' mentality that exists elsewhere, lets build a respectable platform.
Otherwise you just end up wth that person being abused and trolled else where.
It is not public they would send you an email or something. And remember what is currently applicable is for businesses only.
And the business can appeal through the platform own processes, creating a ticket etc. Eventually they could take it to the courts if they chose to.
Agreed, also remember that the big platforms probably PAY moderators, most moderators here are doing it on a volunteer basis, with little support or training as they run the instances.
IS there a private instance for instance owners to discuss in private issues, and collectively come up with a few policies, swap ideas and solutions, ?
:wales_flag: ⁂
@zleap @stux https://discourse.joinmastodon.org/ has a moderation channel/category reserved for instance admins
@zleap Hmm well yes and no! For me it's different as a server admin
For most users users a simple block will do but I am responsible for the safety of the users on this platform 
And I also have the "power" to act upon it so ❤️