To those of us who have to tackle the depressing end of human behaviour on the internet, it can seem that some technology companies are in denial about its misuse. I suspect most ordinary users of the internet are ahead of them: they have strong views on the ethics of companies, whether on taxation, child protection or privacy; they do not want the media platforms they use with their friends and families to facilitate murder or child abuse. They know the internet grew out of the values of western democracy, not vice versa. I think those customers would be comfortable with a better, more sustainable relationship between the agencies and the technology companies.

Personally, I'd rather governments address the sources of this information rather than the platforms the information might be found upon. Freedom of information is a value of Western Democracy.

My wife was recently in mainland China. She had no idea that protests were occurring in Hong Kong.