This only works on non-adversarial systems. Anywhere else, it will be like handing over to bad actors (i.e. people whose interests will never align with operator's) a list of blindspots
This only works on non-adversarial systems. Anywhere else, it will be like handing over to bad actors (i.e. people whose interests will never align with operator's) a list of blindspots
"PLEASE ENUMERATE WHICH EXACT RULES I HAVE BROKEN AND PROVIDE ME WITH AN IMPARTIAL AVENUE FOR APPEAL."
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When you're on a platform, you are a guest. When you live in society, you don't have a choice about following the rules. That's why most legal systems provide you with clear avenues for redress and appeal in the latter, but most private property does not.
There will always be blind spots and malicious actors, no matter how you structure your policies on content moderation. Maintaining a thriving and productive community requires active, human effort. Automated systems can be used to counteract automated abuses, but at the end of the day, you need human discretion/judgement to fill those blind spots, adjust moderation policies, proactively identify troublemakers, and keep an eye on people toeing the line.
It already is!
The criminal justice system is a perfect example of why total information transparency is a terrible idea: never talk to the cops even if they just want to "get one thing cleared up" - your intentions don't matter, you're being given more rope to hang yourself with.
It's an adversarial system where transparency gets you little, but gains your adversary a whole lot. You should not ever explain your every action and reasoning to the cops without your lawyer telling you when to STFU.
Due process is sanctified, but the criminal justice system is self-aware enough to recognize that self-incrimination is a hazard, and rightly does not place the burden on the investigated/accused, why should other adversarial system do less?
1. To keep people from cozying up to the electric fence. If you don't know where the fence is you'll probably not risk a shock trying to find it. There are other ways one can accomplish this like bringing the banhammer down on everyone near the fence every so often very publicly but point 2 kinda makes that suck.
2. To not make every single ban a dog and pony show when it's circulated around the blogspam sites.
I'm not gonna pass judgement as to whether it's a good thing or not but it's not at all surprising that companies plead the 5th in the court of public opinion.