I think the discussion that needs to happen pertains to the ability of institutions like Facebook and Twitter to restrict free speech. As quoted above:
Google/YouTube and Facebook do not, of course, make laws, but their algorithms have more real-world impact than most legislation
The spaces they've created are, at this point, akin to public spaces. They're more or less obstructing freedom of expression, a right that is guaranteed under the US constitution among others. Without clear definitions it's too easy to move the goalposts.
I agree with you on the importance of free speech, but I can't see why private companies would be responsible for providing it.
If it is going to be a basic protected right (which I think it should) then it needs to be funded publicly.
I don't see how we can demand the freedom of speech by taking their freedom of action.
We need alternatives. Government incentives or investment would help, but if more of the public took it seriously, the problem would solve itself.
That's the real problem, according to me. People don't care or understand. Convenience and cost is more important than ethics or ideals.
I see that phrase used often, in may different ways and contexts. Rarely do I see it defined though.
People have some very different ideas of what it refers to.
If the article means offensive speech, I'd agree. But if we're talking about inciting violence, then I strongly disagree.
In Canada outlawed speech, "hate propaganda", has a set definition:
Which is on par with but less restrictive than American inciting violence laws.
Blanket attacks on "hate speech" that seems to conflate the two, are not something I see as helpful.
As for Google manipulation.
I'm onboard with Google being evil. Of course they are. I'm only surprised that anybody ever expected that big corporations were looking out for them.
I don't have a lot of sympathy for anyone affected by youtube changes or google games. They made the monster and gave it the power, they can only blame themselves.
Greed and a lack of forethought got us here, greed and a lack of forthought will allow them to continue molesting people while making ungodly profits.