Stratechery Rights, Laws, and Google
Aug 29, 2022
Dive into the ethical complexities of Google's handling of user-uploaded photos, revealing the drastic consequences of an innocent image. Unpack the intricate ties between free speech rights and corporate influence, exploring the role of the First Amendment in modern society. Discover how landmark Supreme Court cases clarify obscenity laws and child protection. Examine a case study on digital privacy, highlighting the implications for tech companies and user rights. Finally, discuss the dangers of majority rule and the impact of corporate power on personal freedoms.
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Mark's Case
- Google flagged Mark as a CSAM purveyor after he sent pictures of his son's penis to a doctor.
- Google deleted his account, impacting his digital life, despite police finding no crime.
Privacy vs. Child Safety
- Google's CSAM scanning presents a privacy violation by scanning cloud data, including photos.
- While seemingly invasive, this approach helps discover abuse and potentially rescue children.
Google's Overreach
- Google's refusal to restore accounts flagged for CSAM, even after police exoneration, is wrong.
- Their self-appointed role as judge, jury, and executioner raises concerns about their power, especially with AI.