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by zdkl 1986 days ago
They only have to worry about moderation if they host anything. They can keep Apple clean of social networks while endorsing and supporting an open protocol or format for fetching/presentation into a thin client (something like ActivityPub/ActivityStreams, to pick an existing implementation that could make sense to adopt/adapt). I don't know, I think that'd be a very "Apple" thing to do with integrations into the rest of their client side ecosystem.
2 comments
bootlooped 1986 days ago
> They only have to worry about moderation if they host anything.

I don't think that is the case. At least many users, possibly even most users, would not understand the difference between Apple hosting a social network themselves and Apple promoting a thin client that views decentralized content. If you have an Apple Decentralized Social Networks app, and a parent sees their child viewing objectionable content through that app, a bulk of their ire is going to be directed at Apple; they will likely not even know the name of the entity actually hosting the content.

The "we're not actually hosting it so we're not responsible" argument, I don't think it's ever really worked. I don't think it would work in this case. See: torrent websites.

I think the benefit to Apple also goes down. They give up control, and for what gain?

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zdkl 1982 days ago
The trite answer is a modal going something like "the content you're trying to access A) isn't available on your <AppName-Level subscription> or B) isn't in our walled garden of third party providers". I don't like how it sounds but I'm confident they could sell that.

Heck, integrate it into messenger and treat all content like emoji/stickers you must acquire from a controlled source to circulate.

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mschuster91 1986 days ago
> They only have to worry about moderation if they host anything.

Legally maybe, but it's nevertheless presented under the Apple brand... which means as soon as the first pedos, QAnon cultists, antivaxxers and other undesirable elements take a look, people will reflect that negatively on Apple.

Apple's brand is basically to be "clean and safe" for users. Engaging in the shitshow that is any modern social network would be one of the fastest way to tank their stock price.

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