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by sneak 1035 days ago
This, I believe, is called the "just following orders defense". It was attempted most famously in Nürnberg in '46.

It didn't work then, and it shouldn't work now.

See also: Project Dragonfly

2 comments

Please remember the context here, we’re talking about a game on the App Store that has a slot machine mechanic.

Many places have similar small variances in obscenity they allow to be published. Your country might forbid nudity on TV, or disallow gambling businesses in public spaces.

I’d say WW2 featured significantly more serious issues.

We're talking about mass censorship of artistic output for which there is widespread international consensus (basically all of the global west) around being both harmless and protected. The app in question very clearly does not allow gambling! The fact that the app depicts a slot machine is a red herring.

Such censorship is being carried out against millions of humans, by one of the few organizations on the planet large enough and resourced enough to take principled stands against same.

Google actually left China for this reason specifically. The correct answer by the same organization in question is not without precedent.

This is not a small transgression on Google's part.

Yeah I’m sorry, even as a person living in the western world, I would not want to live in a world with a defined “morally correct” group of decision makers. Countries vary. Cultures vary. It really is OK.

You can make the argument that big tech is already that, but clearly they respect local laws.

You were comparing this to the Nuremberg trials. That’s mostly where my disagreement lies. Beyond over-exaggerated.

Really? Country X doesn't like simulated gambling mechanics, Google won't release game in country X therefore Google are Nazis committing war crimes?
Somehow, you made me wonder what phone Hitler would use, if it's Android or iOS. And what social network app he would use.

But one thing for sure, he wouldn't have time to play slots machines.

Surely it would be some sort of Volksmobil? The question is: how would it snitch on you?
There’s a sketch idea for the show Horrible Histories maybe, heheheh