It’s time we really discuss this – what if we nationalize Twitter?
TechCrunch’s newest crackerjack blogger MG Siegler has a solid post about Twitter denying any U.S. government involvement with the service, specifically around Twitter driving a web-volution in the current strife in Iran. This comes amidst some planned Twitter updates, as well as the never-ending discussions of who’s going to buy Twitter one of these days.
Taking a step back – we’ve nationalized many key resources in the U.S. throughout the years when they’ve been core to our society – dating as far back as parts of transportation and as recently as the banking industry. But one of the most interesting examples is the Post Office – a resource for communication. Arguably it necessary to use government to support a fair and ‘efficient’ means of sharing information across the US at a time when it was needed.
We now face a situation when fair, efficient and open communication is needed desperately for a resource that faces as much risk as any other national services – so why not bring back the discussion? CNet brought up idea earnestly a few months ago, but with global situations like these increasing to rise, it might be time to have a full-on debate.
When you consider the concept of nationalizing a service like Twitter – what comes to mind:
- The fact that not everyone has access (rebuttal: not everyone can buy stamps either)?
- Would we need to come up with a more bipartisan name than Twitter?
- Would other services (Yammer) be stifled or included in a nationalization?
- What is the real benefit?
Anyone aware of or interested in getting an organized discussion going? Have any initial thoughts?