Quote:
Originally Posted by Titan
Wild speculation with no facts. Fear is easy to spread.
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It is speculation, yes. But not so wild, and there are facts and motivations, which can be observed, that make me think it will happen.
First of all, the voluntary model has been considered twice. So it is not a new idea. There were resistant and good counter arguments back then, but situation has changed, and still changing.
Second, for the reasons mentioned above. Simply, politicians taking advantage of the situation. History repeats itself.. so don't be naive on that motivation.
Third, we can observe the directions on all "bad" aspects of internet. The first, and most obvious, is the fight against terrorism. Then economic crime, for instance money laundering, where implementation of new regulations and directives has been introduced from highest political level. Now the growing piracy, where individual nations are introducing one thing after another, but without results. Sooner or later, a worldwide decision will be as simple as "let's cut the crap".
Then porn.. even with regulations targeted against the "legit" part of the adult business, some of it, but more the "free version" has become a bigger problem - and growing. In our eyes, porn itself is not a problem, but when piracy and other unethical practice become
the standard, then
settlements - the "legit" business vs. politics, have a problem. Think about this: What is the point, to regulate and settle with a business, if you have free pirated and shady websites ranking on top all over Alexa? Not only is it easy access and instantly everything you find inside the paysites areas, but also without no self-regulation or ethics
at all. That IS a problem, and even webmasters on this board, who did not like the 2257, are now endorsing it for the same reason - so would it be surprising that majority outside the business, make some decisions similar to the upcoming "let's-cut-the-crap"?
I do not like it, call it fear or whatever, but I think it is inevitable. A growing problem, which you can't stop or limit, have
always led to more extreme decisions. And as I said; there are forces, just letting it happen - because they can gain from it. History and nature repeat itself..