• Anonymity and Free Speech on Usenet vs. Modern Social Media

    From Tintin@[email protected] to mail2news on Fri Oct 31 22:04:14 2025
    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 Tyrone@[email protected] to alt.2600,comp.mobile.android,misc.phone.mobile.iphone on Fri Oct 31 23:17:46 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On Oct 31, 2025 at 6:04:14 PM EDT, "Tintin" <[email protected]> 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 Your Name@[email protected] to misc.phone.mobile.iphone,alt.2600,comp.mobile.android on Sat Nov 1 12:43:20 2025
    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 David B.@[email protected] to misc.phone.mobile.iphone,alt.2600,comp.mobile.android,alt.computer.workshop on Sat Nov 1 08:13:54 2025
    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 Arno Welzel@[email protected] to misc.phone.mobile.iphone,comp.mobile.android,alt.2600 on Sat Nov 1 15:13:00 2025
    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
  • From =?UTF-8?Q?J=C3=B6rg_Lorenz?=@[email protected] to misc.phone.mobile.iphone,comp.mobile.android,alt.2600 on Mon Nov 3 09:58:41 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 31.10.25 23:04, Tintin wrote:
    Before we delve into the subject, let's briefly describe what
    Usenet is.
    Injection-Info: news.tcpreset.net

    *ROTFLSTC*
    --
    "Roma locuta, causa finita."
    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From ReK2 Hispagatos@rek2@usenet_reborn.tui to alt.2600,comp.mobile.android,misc.phone.mobile.iphone on Mon Nov 3 17:30:05 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    [in reply to ReK2 Hispagatos <rek2@usenet_reborn.tui>]

    On Oct 31, 2025 at 6:04:14 PM EDT, "Tintin" <[email protected]> wrote: 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.


    I 100% agree with this, sometimes people look at me nuts when
    I see them arguing that youtube censors their videos...
    I am like, do not complaint is their right is private, go to
    peertube or odysee to post videos specially peertube or run your own
    federated peertube instance, yeah less people uses peertube than youtube
    but do not complaint about youtube censoring your videos is their platform lol if people really wanted some sort of speech they sure push help find peertube telling their youtube followers to also see his video on youtube,
    monetize using other ways instead of pure google.
    Peertube has come a long way with plugins to monetize and other such of cool things, way better than 2 years a go, Free software moves fast from month to month
    you could had check something out 2 years a go and be a diff thing 1 year later.


    Happy Hacking
    ReK2
    --
    🏴‍☠️🏴🖥️💻️⌨️🤠 {gemini,https}://{,rek2.}hispagatos.org - mastodon: @[email protected] [https|gemini]://2600.Madrid - https://hispagatos.space/@rek2
    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From =?UTF-8?Q?J=C3=B6rg_Lorenz?=@[email protected] to alt.2600,comp.mobile.android,misc.phone.mobile.iphone on Tue Nov 4 11:52:32 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 03.11.25 18:30, ReK2 Hispagatos wrote:
    [in reply to ReK2 Hispagatos <rek2@usenet_reborn.tui>]

    hispagatos.org

    Is this a kind of a "kindergarten" for retired people?
    --
    "Roma locuta, causa finita."
    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From =?UTF-8?Q?J=C3=B6rg_Lorenz?=@[email protected] to alt.2600,comp.mobile.android,misc.phone.mobile.iphone on Tue Nov 4 11:53:30 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 03.11.25 18:30, ReK2 Hispagatos wrote:
    --
    🏴‍☠️🏴🖥️💻️⌨️🤠 {gemini,https}://{,rek2.}hispagatos.org - mastodon: @[email protected] [https|gemini]://2600.Madrid - https://hispagatos.space/@rek2

    I'm not impressed at all.
    --
    "Roma locuta, causa finita."
    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Carlos E.R.@[email protected] to alt.2600,comp.mobile.android,misc.phone.mobile.iphone on Tue Nov 4 12:07:27 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 2025-11-04 11:52, Jörg Lorenz wrote:
    On 03.11.25 18:30, ReK2 Hispagatos wrote:
    [in reply to ReK2 Hispagatos <rek2@usenet_reborn.tui>]

    hispagatos.org

    Is this a kind of a "kindergarten" for retired people?


    AI Overview

    Hispagatos is an
    anarchist hacker collective that operates a Mastodon instance and
    promotes hacker ethics and libertarian socialist ideas. The collective
    uses its platform to discuss topics related to modern anarchism, social struggles, and organizing actions on networks like i2p.

    Anarchist and hacker roots: The collective is founded on principles
    of anarchist philosophy and the ethical guidelines outlined by Steven
    Levy's hacker ethics.
    Online presence: They run a Mastodon server as a way to build and maintain their community.
    Goals: Hispagatos aims to create a space for a hacker culture,
    share information, and organize activities, with a focus on the decentralization of power.


    They have been active for decades.
    --
    Cheers, Carlos.
    ES🇪🇸, EU🇪🇺;
    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From =?UTF-8?Q?J=C3=B6rg_Lorenz?=@[email protected] to alt.2600,comp.mobile.android,misc.phone.mobile.iphone on Tue Nov 4 12:18:08 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 04.11.25 12:07, Carlos E.R. wrote:
    On 2025-11-04 11:52, Jörg Lorenz wrote:
    On 03.11.25 18:30, ReK2 Hispagatos wrote:
    [in reply to ReK2 Hispagatos <rek2@usenet_reborn.tui>]

    hispagatos.org

    Is this a kind of a "kindergarten" for retired people?


    AI Overview

    Hispagatos is an
    anarchist hacker collective that operates a Mastodon instance and
    promotes hacker ethics and libertarian socialist ideas. The collective
    uses its platform to discuss topics related to modern anarchism, social struggles, and organizing actions on networks like i2p.

    Guess what, Carlos! I did some short online-research into this group.

    Anarchist and hacker roots: The collective is founded on principles
    of anarchist philosophy and the ethical guidelines outlined by Steven
    Levy's hacker ethics.
    Online presence: They run a Mastodon server as a way to build and maintain their community.
    Goals: Hispagatos aims to create a space for a hacker culture,
    share information, and organize activities, with a focus on the decentralization of power.


    They have been active for decades.

    Obviously not very well known outside of Spain. And as I said: No reason
    to be impressed of what I have seen so far. Perhaps there are reasons
    that change this conclusion. The post I'm referring to is not such a
    reason in form and substance.

    But thanks anyway,
    Jörg
    --
    "Roma locuta, causa finita."
    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Andy Burns@[email protected] to alt.2600,comp.mobile.android,misc.phone.mobile.iphone on Tue Nov 4 11:19:06 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    Carlos E.R. wrote:

    Hispagatos is an anarchist hacker collective [...]
    They have been active for decades.

    I recognise the Rek2 name from newsgroups (not necessarily this one)
    over the years.
    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From =?UTF-8?Q?J=C3=B6rg_Lorenz?=@[email protected] to alt.2600,comp.mobile.android,misc.phone.mobile.iphone on Tue Nov 4 13:51:05 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 04.11.25 12:19, Andy Burns wrote:
    Carlos E.R. wrote:

    Hispagatos is an anarchist hacker collective [...]
    They have been active for decades.

    I recognise the Rek2 name from newsgroups (not necessarily this one)
    over the years.

    Never ever seen one consciously.
    --
    "Roma locuta, causa finita."
    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Mr. Man-wai Chang@[email protected] to misc.phone.mobile.iphone,comp.mobile.android,alt.2600 on Thu Nov 6 22:06:53 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 1/11/2025 6:04 am, Tintin wrote:

    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.

    Then how could one postively identify you? What's the point of going
    anonymous when communicating with others? Terrorism? Criminal activities? :)
    --
    @~@ Simplicity is Beauty! Remain silent! Drink, Blink, Stretch!
    / v \ May the Force and farces be with you! Live long and prosper!!
    /( _ )\ https://sites.google.com/site/changmw/
    ^ ^ https://github.com/changmw/changmw
    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Chris@[email protected] to misc.phone.mobile.iphone,comp.mobile.android,alt.2600 on Thu Nov 6 16:26:44 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    Mr. Man-wai Chang <[email protected]> wrote:
    On 1/11/2025 6:04 am, Tintin wrote:

    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.

    Then how could one postively identify you? What's the point of going anonymous when communicating with others? Terrorism? Criminal activities? :)

    There are plenty of good reasons which are growing in the current global climate of repression and targeting based on ideology and authoritarianism. "Criminality" is a label used by some to pretend that anonymity is the
    threat rather than a reaction to the real threat.

    It's perfectly possible to develop an anonymous identity without being identifiable irl.

    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Mr. Man-wai Chang@[email protected] to misc.phone.mobile.iphone,comp.mobile.android,alt.2600 on Fri Nov 7 15:30:57 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 7/11/2025 12:26 am, Chris wrote:
    sm? Criminal activities? :)

    There are plenty of good reasons which are growing in the current global climate of repression and targeting based on ideology and authoritarianism. "Criminality" is a label used by some to pretend that anonymity is the
    threat rather than a reaction to the real threat.

    It's perfectly possible to develop an anonymous identity without being identifiable irl.


    I think the problem is not anonoymity, but locating you in physical
    reality. There is no need to stay anonymous if nobody can locate you.
    --
    @~@ Simplicity is Beauty! Remain silent! Drink, Blink, Stretch!
    / v \ May the Force and farces be with you! Live long and prosper!!
    /( _ )\ https://sites.google.com/site/changmw/
    ^ ^ https://github.com/changmw/changmw
    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Chris@[email protected] to misc.phone.mobile.iphone,comp.mobile.android,alt.2600 on Fri Nov 7 15:46:06 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    Mr. Man-wai Chang <[email protected]> wrote:
    On 7/11/2025 12:26 am, Chris wrote:
    sm? Criminal activities? :)

    There are plenty of good reasons which are growing in the current global
    climate of repression and targeting based on ideology and authoritarianism. >> "Criminality" is a label used by some to pretend that anonymity is the
    threat rather than a reaction to the real threat.

    It's perfectly possible to develop an anonymous identity without being
    identifiable irl.


    I think the problem is not anonoymity, but locating you in physical
    reality. There is no need to stay anonymous if nobody can locate you.

    That's the same thing in my book. For example, in crypto everyone has heard
    of Satoshi Nakamoto yet no-one knows who they are. Or, the artist Banksy.
    They are both anonymous.

    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From AJL@[email protected] to misc.phone.mobile.iphone,comp.mobile.android,alt.2600 on Fri Nov 7 08:57:27 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 11/7/2025 12:30 AM, Mr. Man-wai Chang wrote:
    On 7/11/2025 12:26 am, Chris wrote: sm? Criminal activities? :)

    There are plenty of good reasons which are growing in the current
    global climate of repression and targeting based on ideology and
    authoritarianism. "Criminality" is a label used by some to pretend
    that anonymity is the threat rather than a reaction to the real
    threat.

    It's perfectly possible to develop an anonymous identity without
    being identifiable irl.


    I think the problem is not anonymity, but locating you in physical
    reality. There is no need to stay anonymous if nobody can locate
    you.

    These days if the nuts know your REAL identity but not your physical
    location, they still can attack you online. But worse they also can go
    after your family, friends, business, etc. That info in detail is often available. Thanks Google. And even if there is no physical contact, the
    online threats can be very uncomfortable...


    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Mr. Man-wai Chang@[email protected] to misc.phone.mobile.iphone,comp.mobile.android,alt.2600 on Sat Nov 8 23:03:38 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 7/11/2025 11:57 pm, AJL wrote:

    These days if the nuts know your REAL identity but not your physical location, they still can attack you online. But worse they also can go
    after your family, friends, business, etc. That info in detail is often available. Thanks Google. And even if there is no physical contact, the online threats can be very uncomfortable...


    And hence using fake names or aliases? :)
    --
    @~@ Simplicity is Beauty! Remain silent! Drink, Blink, Stretch!
    / v \ May the Force and farces be with you! Live long and prosper!!
    /( _ )\ https://sites.google.com/site/changmw/
    ^ ^ https://github.com/changmw/changmw
    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From AJL@[email protected] to misc.phone.mobile.iphone,comp.mobile.android,alt.2600 on Sat Nov 8 09:31:58 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

    On 11/8/2025 8:03 AM, Mr. Man-wai Chang wrote:
    On 7/11/2025 11:57 pm, AJL wrote:

    These days if the nuts know your REAL identity but not your
    physical location, they still can attack you online. But worse they
    also can go after your family, friends, business, etc. That info in
    detail is often available. Thanks Google. And even if there is no
    physical contact, the online threats can be very uncomfortable...

    And hence using fake names or aliases? :)

    Or fake initials... ;)





    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2