Nationalized Internet Social Networks - The wet-dream of TPTB

by Nine_Bows
Let’s Nationalize Facebook

Only then will the social network protect users’ rights and share valuable data with researchers.

By Philip N. Howard.

Over the last several years, Facebook has become a public good and an important social resource. But as a company, it is behaving badly, and long term, that may cost it: A spring survey found that almost half of Americans believe that Facebook will eventually fade away. Even the business side has been a bit of a disaster lately, with earnings lower than expected and the news that a significant portion of Facebook profiles are fake. If neither users nor investors can be confident in the company, it’s time we start discussing an idea that might seem crazy: nationalizing Facebook.

By “nationalizing Facebook,” I mean public ownership and at least a majority share at first. When nationalizing the company restores the public trust, that controlling interest could be reduced. There are three very good reasons for this drastic step: It could fix the company’s woeful privacy practices, allow the social network to fulfill its true potential for providing social good, and force it to put its valuable data to work on significant social problems.
http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2012/08/facebook_should_be_nationalized_to_protect_user_rights_.html

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Comment by Sweettina2 on August 31, 2012 at 3:39pm: In my efforts to wake others up I opened a facebook page, but I knew in doing so there was inherent risks. I accept that. I agree with Nathan, nationalizing anything is disturbing. It's communism, "for the great good". I hate that phrase.

Comment by Nathan on August 30, 2012 at 5:49pm: Well, I couldn't care less about FB but the idea of 'nationalizing' anything is deeply disturbing. Not unforeseen mind you but, disturbing.

Comment by truth on August 30, 2012 at 5:40pm: I`think nationalization a real possibility, considering Soros recent investment.

Comment by Nathan on August 30, 2012 at 1:54pm: Oh yes, and why stop with Facebook? Let's follow this logic and nationalize EVERYTHING; afterall it's for the greater good!

Comment by Less Prone on August 30, 2012 at 1:42pm: Making the Facebook, a Federal Facebook, would give it about as much credibility as the "Federal" "Reserve" has.