memes

I hate saying this, I feel gross saying this, but the internet needs restrictions. I don't know what the solution is. I hate all the ones that are being tried right now like age verification or needing an ID, because they really seem more focused on surveillance than anything else... But... God damn.

The general public should not have unfettered access to the internet. I think we have shown that this technology is too dangerous for humanity as a whole. There's just too many idiots and bad actors. Again, I don't know what the solution is. How do you balance privacy and personal freedom with the dangers that come with giving everyone access to everything? Unfortunately, I don't see a solution that doesn't come off as draconian or controlling in some way, shape, or form.

Maybe it's something like a multi-layer internet, where the first layer anyone can access but is mostly read-only with a few exceptions. If you want to access the second layer which allows you to post, comment, upload, etc., you need a license. The barrier to entry should be small, something on the level of a HAM radio license. A simple class, an easy test, and a small one-time fee and you're good for 10 years. You can even allow access for anyone at a library, university, or business.

It wouldn't fix everything, and deep down I know that if anything like this were tried it would be twisted and warped by the powers that be to become just another form of control, but holy shit we need something or society is going to tear itself apart.