From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Before we delve into the subject, let's briefly describe what
Usenet is. Originating in the late 1970s, Usenet is one of
the original Internet systems, predating the World Wide Web.
It operates as a decentralized network of servers, where
users can post articles or messages, organized into
newsgroups based on subjects. These messages are then
propagated across the network.

Now, let's compare this to modern social media platforms like
Facebook or Twitter, which are centralized, highly controlled
environments. Content that violates the rules set by these
corporations is routinely removed or flagged, and users who
consistently break the rules can be banned from the platform
entirely.

Anonymity and Free Speech on Usenet

One of the most striking features of Usenet is its provision
for anonymity. On Usenet, you can post messages without
revealing your real identity. You don't have to provide a name,
phone number, or any other personally identifiable information
when posting. This contrasts sharply with the 'real name'
policies of Facebook and the verification process of Twitter,
which require substantial disclosure of personal information.

More...

https://www.newsdemon.com/blog/the-future-of-free-speech-usenet






















































































































































































































































--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On Oct 31, 2025 at 6:04:14 PM EDT, "Tintin" <Snowy@Tintin.TV.com> wrote:

Before we delve into the subject, let's briefly describe what
Usenet is. Originating in the late 1970s, Usenet is one of
the original Internet systems, predating the World Wide Web.
It operates as a decentralized network of servers, where
users can post articles or messages, organized into
newsgroups based on subjects. These messages are then
propagated across the network.

Now, let's delve into what "free speech" is. It is NOT - as most people seem
to believe - that you can say whatever you want, wherever you want, with no consequences.

Free speech ONLY applies to public property. The owner of such property - local, state or federal government - can't stop you from saying whatever you want. That's why you always see protesters/street preachers/religious nutbags/etc. on PUBLIC property.

Free speech does NOT apply to private property. The owner of such property - you, me or any non-government entity/business/whatever - CAN stop you. If you don't sit down/shut up/get off the property when requested by the property owner, the police will be called and you will be forceably removed. At that point you are trespassing on the private property. This is why "protests" on college campuses get shut down by police. Unless it is a state-funded
college, it is private property and no one on that property has "freedom of speech" unless the owners of the private property give their permission.
Which will rarely happen, because then the property owner could also be held liable for any consequences of the speech.

Note that in BOTH cases there can be consequences to your speech. You can lose your job/be sued/be jailed/other things, depending on what you said and
whether you have slandered other people, etc. Even on public property, where
no one can stop you from talking, there CAN be consequences. You have to be an adult and accept that. Not whine about your imaginary "Freedom of speech" being violated.

Thus, since no one is "in charge" of usenet, you can say whatever you want AND you can do it anonymously. It is basically public property. Mainly because VERY few people even know usenet exists, let alone read usenet/post to usenet.
All it would take is for a few server owners to get concerned, and usenet could slowly disappear. Unlikely, yes. But it could happen.

But "modern social media platforms" ARE private property. The owners of the private property are running a business, and they have every right to kick you off for any reason. And you have to agree to that when you sign up. So again, don't whine about your imaginary "Freedom of speech" being violated.

Once you understand all of this, there is really nothing to compare. Freedom of speech is alive and well. It is not being violated by any of the "modern social media platforms". Because "Freedom of speech" does not apply to
private property.

Now, let's compare this to modern social media platforms like
Facebook or Twitter, which are centralized, highly controlled
environments. Content that violates the rules set by these
corporations is routinely removed or flagged, and users who
consistently break the rules can be banned from the platform
entirely.

Anonymity and Free Speech on Usenet

One of the most striking features of Usenet is its provision
for anonymity. On Usenet, you can post messages without
revealing your real identity. You don't have to provide a name,
phone number, or any other personally identifiable information
when posting. This contrasts sharply with the 'real name'
policies of Facebook and the verification process of Twitter,
which require substantial disclosure of personal information.

More...

https://www.newsdemon.com/blog/the-future-of-free-speech-usenet

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 2025-10-31 22:04:14 +0000, Tintin said:

Before we delve into the subject, let's briefly describe what
Usenet is. Originating in the late 1970s, Usenet is one of
the original Internet systems, predating the World Wide Web.
It operates as a decentralized network of servers, where
users can post articles or messages, organized into
newsgroups based on subjects. These messages are then
propagated across the network.

Now, let's compare this to modern social media platforms like
Facebook or Twitter, which are centralized, highly controlled
environments. Content that violates the rules set by these
corporations is routinely removed or flagged, and users who
consistently break the rules can be banned from the platform
entirely.

Anonymity and Free Speech on Usenet

One of the most striking features of Usenet is its provision
for anonymity. On Usenet, you can post messages without
revealing your real identity. You don't have to provide a name,
phone number, or any other personally identifiable information
when posting. This contrasts sharply with the 'real name'
policies of Facebook and the verification process of Twitter,
which require substantial disclosure of personal information.

More...

https://www.newsdemon.com/blog/the-future-of-free-speech-usenet

Despite what many people like to believe, you're NEVER anonymous on teh internet, and that includes Usenet. If it is really worth some
authority's time to track you down, they can and will.



--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 31/10/2025 23:43, Your Name wrote:

On 2025-10-31 22:04:14 +0000, Tintin said:

Before we delve into the subject, let's briefly describe what
Usenet is. Originating in the late 1970s, Usenet is one of
the original Internet systems, predating the World Wide Web.
It operates as a decentralized network of servers, where
users can post articles or messages, organized into
newsgroups based on subjects. These messages are then
propagated across the network.

Now, let's compare this to modern social media platforms like
Facebook or Twitter, which are centralized, highly controlled
environments. Content that violates the rules set by these
corporations is routinely removed or flagged, and users who
consistently break the rules can be banned from the platform
entirely.

Anonymity and Free Speech on Usenet

One of the most striking features of Usenet is its provision
for anonymity. On Usenet, you can post messages without
revealing your real identity. You don't have to provide a name,
phone number, or any other personally identifiable information
when posting. This contrasts sharply with the 'real name'
policies of Facebook and the verification process of Twitter,
which require substantial disclosure of personal information.

More...

https://www.newsdemon.com/blog/the-future-of-free-speech-usenet

Despite what many people like to believe, you're NEVER anonymous on teh internet, and that includes Usenet. If it is really worth some
authority's time to track you down, they can and will.

I agree with that premise - 100%

Do I care? No - not one bit! 🙂

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Tintin, 2025-10-31 23:04:

Before we delve into the subject, let's briefly describe what
Usenet is. Originating in the late 1970s, Usenet is one of
the original Internet systems, predating the World Wide Web.
It operates as a decentralized network of servers, where
users can post articles or messages, organized into
newsgroups based on subjects. These messages are then
propagated across the network.

Now, let's compare this to modern social media platforms like
Facebook or Twitter, which are centralized, highly controlled
environments. Content that violates the rules set by these
corporations is routinely removed or flagged, and users who
consistently break the rules can be banned from the platform
entirely.

On a Usenet server users which constantly violate the rules, may also
get banned. The only difference is, that they can go to another server
where the admins may be a bit more tolerant about what is acceptable.
But then other server admins may even block traffic from known "troll"
servers.

So Usenet is also not completely without any rules at all.

Anonymity and Free Speech on Usenet

One of the most striking features of Usenet is its provision
for anonymity. On Usenet, you can post messages without

This is also possible on Mastodon.
--
Arno Welzel
https://arnowelzel.de
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2