Trump, Twitter, and the First Amendment, with platform moderation expert Daphne Keller

Gatekeeping

The discussion on infrastructure gatekeeping highlights the critical role of essential services like ISPs and hosting providers in shaping internet access. Daphne Keller emphasizes the need for net neutrality to prevent these entities from becoming discretionary censors, as they hold significant power over what content can flow online 1. Nilay Patel adds that while net neutrality is crucial at the ISP level, applying similar principles to platforms like Twitter is complex due to the lack of competition and the unique nature of these services 1.

   

Scarcity

Scarcity in online infrastructure and attention significantly impacts the viability of alternatives to major platforms. Daphne Keller points out that while alternatives to platforms like YouTube exist, they lack the same audience reach, making them less viable 2. She also notes that if a service is removed by DNS providers or Cloudflare, it might effectively disappear from the internet, highlighting the severe consequences of infrastructure control 2.

   

Moderation

The balance between moderation and competition is a complex issue for platforms. Daphne Keller discusses the potential for introducing competition in moderation, allowing users to choose their preferred rules 3. Nilay Patel highlights the challenges platforms face in aligning their policies with legal requirements and user expectations, noting the lack of a clear framework for understanding these interactions 3.