[JacobSeated]

You could just opt out by using another platform – or better yet, self-host your own instance of Nextcloud, Mastodon, or similar. It's not like you are out of options.

Meta's services are far from essential.

I personally use and prefer Nextcloud, and it's actually better than the mainstream alternatives in some ways. E.g. You do not have to use Apple's notes app if you do not want it. I am tremendously irritated by the proprietary bloat that is being forced down users throats, mainly by companies such as Apple and Microsoft.

But still, why insist on dictating what other website owners and companies should do with their platforms? In our part of the world, I like the idea that this is "for each themself to decide" (at least to an extent). Interoperability and compatibility with other platforms is important to strive for.for security (Apple devices texting Android devices for example, https://www.android.com/get-the-message/).

Undeniably, however, proprietary communication platforms are not really necessary for anyone to use, because free software alternatives exist that are often better and more secure.

[myaccountonhn]

> You could just opt out by using another platform – or better yet, self-host your own instance of Nextcloud, Mastodon, or similar. It's not like you are out of options.

I can't believe people still argue this... Cutting off facebook today means that I cut myself off from my families message group, a way to message my grandma (I live abroad) and lose access to pretty much all shops where you have to book online. I've lived in places before where literally everything from finding apartments to events to buying second hand was done through facebook.

Once we have an interoperable standard then we can talk. Right now Facebook has complete domination and you severly hinder yourself in some places by not using it.

[dns_snek]

> But still, why insist on dictating what other website owners and companies should do with their platforms? In our part of the world, I like the idea that this is "for each themself to decide"

Because certain business models are exploitative and we've decided to ban them as a society.

Those are the rules now, you're welcome to stop doing business in the EU if you can't meet these basic requirements.

[nerdbert]

The value of Facebook is having a place to connect with all my old aunts and uncles and school friends. A self-hosted Nextcloud is never going to provide that. They're not equivalent in any meaningful way.

[hiq]

> Meta's services are far from essential.

That really depends on where and in which community you live.

[la_oveja]

it goes the other way around.

metas service is not essential. respecting your privacy is essential.