[HumanDrivenDev]

We've passed that sci-fi trope where corporations now wield more authority than governments.

I have a better relationship with corporations more than governments. A corporation has never harassed me at an airport when trying to leave. If I don't like MacDonalds I can... stop eating at MacDonalds. If I don't like the services the state provides I have to physically remove myself.

[_bxg1]

If you don't like Google and Apple you can't stop using both of them. If you don't like your local ISP you probably can't stop using it. The free market only gives consumers power over corporations when those consumers - through democracy - keep them from amassing too much power via regulatory bodies. Some people act like the government is the threat, but in a democracy the government is the only thing that truly gives you any power.

[lamarpye]

I don't agree. Which is more likely for you to end up in jail? Not buying an iPhone or stop paying your taxes?

[cpursley]

I'm not sure why you're getting down votes. The police power of the state is multitudes more powerful than corporations (who unless are outright monopolies, will do everything in their power to keep you as a happy customer since you have a choice).

[ionised]

The only reason corporations haven't behaved in this way is that at the moment, they can't.

Given the power, they absolutely can, and will.

[nilskidoo]

Let's have AWS accidentally decrypt a few more dozen terabytes of DoD datum and then decide.

[HumanDrivenDev]

yeah I thought I might drop in and make a well reasoned point in good faith. the shower of down-votes shows me I shouldn't have bothered (:

HN is a bit of an echo chamber, unfortunately.