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comment by o11c
o11c  ·  3173 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: What freedom of speech isn't

Right. And the government says "if you don't provide a takedown policy, we will take down your entire website."

The need to comply with the law is not a fucking joke.





user-inactivated  ·  3173 days ago  ·  link  ·  

The thing is, it's a real issue that probably happens more often than we know. On a previous social site I was on, small and intimate like Hubski is, someone posted some really stupid shit. The guy who owned and operated the site ending up having a very long and uncomfortable visit with the secret service.

When you own and run sites like this, the risks and liability are very real, as are the potential legal consequences.

b_b  ·  3173 days ago  ·  link  ·  

It doesn't need to be delineated, because it's implied in hubski's content policy that already exists. I don't think you know what a joke is if you thought I was joking.

o11c  ·  3173 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Implication isn't enough. An actual plan of action, and following through on that, is what's necessary.

The illegal content is still accessible, through publicly visible links.

Indirect link: https://hubski.com/pub?id=259010

user-inactivated  ·  3173 days ago  ·  link  ·  

That's libel though, which if I'm not mistaken falls under tort law and not criminal law. So it's not something the cops would come knocking on his door, but it is something that might perk the attention of lawyers.

o11c  ·  3173 days ago  ·  link  ·  

You're probably right, I'm more familiar with takedowns under Copyright law.

But "wait until somebody sues us" is still a terrible plan.

user-inactivated  ·  3173 days ago  ·  link  ·  

I've always worries that sites like Hubski would be the target of SLAPP Lawsuits instead of personal lawsuits, but now I think there might be a real risk for both.

b_b  ·  3173 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Why even post that shit? You're part of the problem when you do that. Like I said elsewhere, one has to actively try to not let it die. And you're trying pretty fuckin' hard. Stop.

o11c  ·  3173 days ago  ·  link  ·  

As a user of this site, I have an interest in the continued existence of this site.

Illegal activity is over the line, you can't just "ignore it and wait for it to go away" like you can with normal trolls.

tla  ·  3173 days ago  ·  link  ·  

That and with Google, there's no such thing as a big enough rug.

user-inactivated  ·  3173 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Legalities or lack thereof aside, his behavior has gone from petty and sad to malicious and cruel. It warrants scrutiny and consideration.

b_b  ·  3173 days ago  ·  link  ·  

How much more scrutiny can you get than two new features, coded from scratch, specifically in response to his bad behavior? I feel like I'm taking crazy pills.

user-inactivated  ·  3173 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Oh, no. Don't get me wrong. The fact that new tools are being invented and implemented so swiftly show that the issue is indeed not being ignored. If I had to guess though, I don't think mk and co. have decided to implement them and then just leave it at that. I'm sure behind the scenes they're looking at the impact such tools are having not only on the situation, but on the site dynamics as well.

I'm sure questions are being asked such as "How effective are they?" "Do they have unintended consequnces?" "Is a more direct action needed?" "Where are lines drawn?" On and on. I have to say, I find the staff of Hubski are currently in an unenviable position and I wish them all the best and offer what little support and encouragement I have to offer in the position I'm in as a casual user.

The fact is though, the hate train has left the station and keeps chugging on. I feel like I've joined this site at an interesting time in its history.

mk  ·  3173 days ago  ·  link  ·  

You are right that we are working on it, and watching how what we have implemented is being used.

Please everyone, use the tools you have. We are working on the gaps and hypotheticals.

tla  ·  3173 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Please tell me you didn't just go there.