I do not believe we need to rewrite most of our regulation to accommodate the digital age as mentioned by Carys Afoko (Zuckerberg is right about regulation – but we must all act, 2 April). Many of our existing discrimination and potential harm laws are good enough. The key is to redefine Facebook as a publisher and to no longer accept the argument that they are a platform. Facebook both publishes and distributes content and, importantly, earns revenue as a consequence of the consumption of the content. It should bear the responsibility of a publisher and not be allowed to evade our existing laws. This is the only way to effect real change quickly and to not be mired in the “too difficult” box, while Facebook continues to rake in billions.
Carys argues that Facebook and Google are not responsible for racism and terrorism, but there is evidence that access to information promoting illegal behaviour does incite individuals, and it changes the tone of the environment in which we all live.
Pam Roud
Somersham, Cambridgeshire
• Couldn’t agree more with Carys Afoko when she says the government alone cannot regulate Facebook, that it is also up to all of us. But she takes a step backward when she goes on to say that removing ourselves from these platforms is no longer a realistic option. I remember as a child the cigarette lighter on the coffee table and the ubiquitous ashtrays around the house, reflecting the then norm that smoking, like today’s incessant checking of Facebook, was what one did, and maybe even was socially expected. Facebook’s algorithms – and those of other social media – are specifically designed to be addictive. Think of it as today’s nicotine. Removing oneself from Facebook is hard, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done or is not worth trying. Instead of waking up and having that first cigarette or checking Facebook, spend those first few minutes smelling the roses.
Bob Walsh
Wilton, Connecticut, USA
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