I've come to feel that a site/service is only trustworthy if its creators build around the assumption that they'll eventually go under or be compromised

thanks for a detail reply!

In the Freedom on the Net 2025 report, the UK scored 76/100, while China scored 9/100—one of the worst results globally. I do not believe these countries are comparable (although Freedom House did lower the UK’s score, partly due to the rise in criminal prosecutions for online speech — meaning the UK’s problem is not a hoax).

indeed, 12,183 arrests were made in 2023 for the "improper use of a public electronic communications network" — an extremely high number. however, the phrase "arrested for free speech" is too vague: upon closer examination, I could not find a clear line between arrests for overt threats, obscenity, "gross insults", false reports and certain forms of harassment — and expression of opinion or "free speech". I am by no means trying to justify state coercion; yet countering, say, physical threats does not merely curtail free speech — it literally protects it, based on your own definition. I'm not saying that there is no problem here, but that I'd wish to have the better numbers. I do also agree with you, that at least some of these cases are likely far-fetched — or downright nonsence: no one should be arrested for insults. It reminds me of how, in France, there is a criminal penalty for insulting a French politician.

We all police our speech.

talking about policing thoughts — I really don't see a future, where nobody controls themselves, neither desirable, nor safe, nor productive, nor pleasant. even right-wing libertarians argue that freedom goes hand in hand with responsibility.

Ultimately its good to have the tools even when you dont need them. By the time you need them its usually too late.

talking about the tools — I have already expressed my skepticism regarding this argument, which reminds me more of a slippery slope.

hmmm, i hear you. problem, where the platform gets sold, then accepts VC money, sounds more real than vague consern. would you mind naming the couple of good places?

eating mostly vegan to reduce animal suffering where I can. (not unhealthy, when you think before you act, if one wonders)

Experience has taught me this isn't always a good or stable solution.

is it actually that bad, if we're talking about small platforms? with all my respect to total anarchism, small places organized by someone look better than those completely disorganized