Can Trump Really Close Down Twitter or Facebook?
The recent administrations of President Donald Trump have demonstrated that the President has the power to do virtually anything without immediate electoral repercussions. This power has been solidified by the unwavering support of his loyalist voters, leading many to question if this loyalty could translate into similar backing in the face of such a drastic move. However, the reality is that Trump is unlikely to shut down Twitter or Facebook for several key reasons:
The Unlikely Closure of Twitter or Facebook
President Trump, as well as his supporters and the broader conservative movement, have expressive and active reasons to remain on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Closing or sabotaging them would not only hurt the companies, but it would also alienate him from a key communication channel and his supporters, potentially garnering substantial backlash from his base. This makes it highly improbable that Twitter and Facebook will be shut down under his leadership.
The Future of Section 230
Rather than shutting down these platforms, the real risk lies in their potential loss of Section 230 immunity. The law, enacted by Congress, aimed to protect online platforms from liability when engaging in good-faith community moderation. This immunity has enabled platforms to act as diligent custodians of user-generated content. However, recent behaviors by Twitter and Facebook, who have failed to maintain viewpoint neutrality, may subject them to a reassessment of their status under Section 230.
Breaking Up Big Tech Monopolies
A more feasible approach might be to break up large tech monopolies such as Twitter and Facebook, similar to Microsoft's antitrust issues in the late 1990s. This would lay the groundwork for increased competition and regulatory oversight in the tech sector. Additionally, there are legal avenues to pursue criminal and civil prosecution of tech giants. For example, Twitter and Google could face charges for colluding to suppress competing platforms such as Gab, while tech companies could be prosecuted for systematically oppressing rivals, as seen with Patreon's Subscribestar.
Catch-up and Competitive Landscape
The ultimate goal of such regulatory measures would not be to shut down Twitter or Facebook, but to create a more competitive and less censored online environment. This would not only benefit consumers and small businesses but also counteract the increasing liberal censorship seen in the run-up to the 2020 election, which mirrored similar attempts in 2016. Efforts to hold tech giants accountable for their actions have driven others out of business, showcasing the complexity and necessity of regulatory action.
Conclusion
While President Trump may wield significant influence, he cannot legally shut down Twitter or Facebook on his own. The real challenge lies in the future of Section 230 and the potential for breaking up big tech monopolies, which could create a more equitable and competitive digital landscape, countering liberal censorship and systemic oppression. The path forward involves a nuanced approach to regulation, one that balances free speech and community moderation while ensuring accountability and fair competition.