If you're reading this, you probably know at least a thing or two about blockchain technology. My own knowledge is pretty limited and extends just beyond what can be gleaned from a CNN article on the subject. Append-only immutability is the hallmark of a good ledger and being able to decentralize that on a blockchain is remarkable. And more, it is an awesome development to be able to load content (especially multi-media content) onto a blockchain like this post is doing. But what happens when bad-actors upload content that is objectively reprehensible or violates the law. Is there any way to remove contraband content from a Blockchain?
I'm talking about things like child pornography, revenge pornography, stolen social security numbers or other identity theft information, terrorism recruitment material, defamation, etc. Most of this violates the laws of most countries. What can be done if someone posts this kind of content? Or perhaps the question, what should be done?
I know Steemit has the flagging tool which can cause posts to be hidden. But they are still there and all you have to do to see the flagged content is clicked the reveal button. Not to mention the facts that flagging requires affirmative action by another user AND can be counteracted by upvotes. If you have been paying attention to the underbelly (or the main trending page) of Steemit, you've probably noticed at least a couple of feuds on the platform. From a bystander point-of-view those quarrels have been mostly about etiquette, protecting the culture of the platform, and creating a fair reward pool. Resolving these issues is messy.
Reaching decentralized consensus is hard. That is a feature and obstacle for blockchain-based platforms. Even if we can form a majority opinion, is there anything that can actually be done about this kind of illegal material? What happens when a Federal Court orders that certain material be taken down? As we've seen before, the FBI is not afraid to go after an internet platform that hosts illegal activity (e.g. Silk Road, Backpages, Craigslist).
I hope that I am merely ignorant of some procedure in place that can protect that platform from this kind of thing, and if I am please let me know. But I have not come across it yet and that worries me. Is Steemit, Inc. able to force-edit a post? Could the witnesses come to that decision? Would it require a fork?
Do you think this is something we should worry about? Is it desirable to have a censorship tool on a decentralized platform? Obviously any tool has potential for abuse.
Let me know your thoughts and until next time, be blessed.
Sam
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Great questions. Unfortunately, I do not have the answers.
I agree that illegal activities should be prevented, but we will need to make sure that the proposed solution only goes after illegal activities and not silence others due to difference of oinions.
Big time. And that is the tension. I have witnessed at least one flagging war that stemmed from a disagreement of content. The @familyprotection group shares and curates stories about CPS abuse and they had a couple of pretty powerful flaggers going after them. Even if you think someone is completely off their rocker and is spreading false info (for me, Flat Earthers fall in that category), I don't think censorship is necessarily the preferred route.