Have you tried steelmanning the national security angle? Seems plausible.
Discussion
National security according to whom? Would you justify Brazil’s bans on X and Telegram in a similar manner?
Don't try to put words in my mouth. I'm not justifying shit.
I said that the national security angle seems plausible. The US likes tracking its own citizens, but doesn't approve when other countries do it. It's in its own self interest. China bans way more shit for way less - why are you not outraged about that? Countries ban shit. It's what they do.
It's why we are on nostr.
I am outraged by that, which is why I’m outraged by this TikTok ban by the US which is supposed to stand for free speech. “National security” is a bullshit excuse here.
National security is merely a smokescreen. The United States is controlling commerce. Government overreach.
If it's a bullshit excuse what is the real reason for the ban?
Control of free speech.
Meh, seems like a possible conspiracy to restrict free speech, but the national security and free trade hypotheses seem just as plausible. I'm not convinced either way. Most likely political and not targeted at consumers.