[seanw444]

It's not the technology design that's that important. It's the network effect, and peoples' default trust in megacorps over volunteer projects. Both of which cannot be solved with just a protocol.

[Terr_]

Half the problem is "felony contempt of business model", where the legal system is wielded against anyone who would create pro-consumer tools.

[random3]

part of the network effects is building the graph. If you reuse the social graph that's already in your FB account you're merely replacing the messaging layer. This lays over on the presumed assumption that there's a problem to begin with

the other problem with the network effects is a business problem. There's is no business problem here though. If you maximize compatibility without caring to own anything several problems disappear.

[dzdt]

This would be a natural role for the Post Office to take on, to provide a neutral ad-free, privacy-respecting messaging platform accessible to all.

[Terr_]

I think the natural and equivalent role of the USPS would be an ISP, rather than a "messaging platform" itself.

When the US Constitution was drafted in 1787, authorizing the new Federal government to run a postal service, carrying letters and packages via horse rider/wagons was the state-of-the-art.