Its both a long-term national security issue, and political issue.
Why would any foreign nation give the US deep-state, intelligence agencies, and its controlled tech oligarchs control over its social media - especially now they have shown how quickly they will abuse that power?
For politicians who still think in 20th century terms - would you allow a foreign superpower control your newspapers and TV stations?
“Ally” or not - I would shut them down immediately
There is also an addictive issue that may have been overlooked. FB and Twit are intentionally designed with features i.e. likes, retweets, shares, etc. that are proven to have psychological effects (via release of dopamine) on certain USERS, young people are especially vunerable. USERS... is purposely capitalized as some studying the effects of social media using these technologies are pointing out the addictive and psychologically damaging results.
So when a government shuts down FB or Twit not only is communication cut off but they also have crazed individuals not able to get their fix running around with their hair on fire. Maybe it’s beneficial in the long run after people become aware of how consumed by use of tech they had become.
Similar to when the NFL shot itself in the head with the kneeling and BLM issues. I’ve read many comments from former fans finding more productive things to do with their time.
I rarely comment here at FreeRepublic. I’m grateful that Jim has made this forum available to us and for NOT adding the ‘like’ features that many of us have wanted in the past.