We used to regulate how many media channels one person could own. We used to regulate monopolies. What happened? Google, Facebook, Amazon’s leaders talk about opening the world and creating a democratic culture but they undermine privacy and discourse, and have actually become a threat to democracy.
Time for some old style trust-busting and regulation of Facebook, Twitter, Google and Amazon. We should start with legislating new ownership rights by each individual of all her or his personal data information.
Facebook, Google, Twitter, YouTube, and Amazon should not be able to buy and sell information about you and me. We need laws to make them 1) ask permission in EACH instance of selling our data to advertisers. 2) In EACH instance pay us individuals a royalty for using our data.
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2 Comments. Leave new
Dear Frank Schaeffer:
Seriously?
Do you truly think that laws of ownership can be revised in such a way to end data mining and Government surveillance?
Do you really think that the whole de-regulation/austerity agenda can be brought down under Capitalism?
A blessed Lenten walk with Christ!
PS: Of what democracy are you speaking?
You think a class action would teach them a lesson?