Post Aw9t3g0GiupFGoowcK by vees@epistolary.org
 (DIR) More posts by vees@epistolary.org
 (DIR) Post #Aw6e63RngKz4Me3bLk by strypey@mastodon.nzoss.nz
       2025-07-13T23:42:01Z
       
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       Is this the right room for an argument?Formal debate rules; Pick a side (for or against the motion) take you turn, argue your case, limit rebuttal to referenced counter-evidence, no ad hominems.Motion: Apple is a protection racket.Go!#DebateClub
       
 (DIR) Post #Aw7ou1yFPF5EN96IHQ by vees@epistolary.org
       2025-07-14T13:17:32Z
       
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       @strypey If I hire a skilled protection force in a lawless country, I'm getting exactly what I paid for. A better example of a protection racket on the internet are those subscription companies that work to remove your personal information from data broker web sites, but often work in concert with (or are the same as) the data broker companies. Protection rackets manufacture the problem and then solve it. That's not the case with Apple.
       
 (DIR) Post #Aw98EjW3JAV5VKSQkq by strypey@mastodon.nzoss.nz
       2025-07-15T04:29:15Z
       
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       @vees Since you're arguing against the motion, I'll argue for it.Apple deploys a wide range of mechanisms to lock-in and abuse the people using their devices and services. Such as blocking them from using third-party app sources, or blocking app devs from using third-party payment systems, or blocking them from using copyleft licenses to stop Apple building proprietary apps using their code.Apple often spins these as being motivated by the user's best interests, while profiting handsomely.
       
 (DIR) Post #Aw9t3g0GiupFGoowcK by vees@epistolary.org
       2025-07-15T13:13:40Z
       
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       @strypey I agree with all of your points there but none of them distinguish that behavior as a "protection racket" since not paying Apple does not come with the implied threat of Apple threatening or attacking you if you pick a different ecosystem. Lock-in may make you worse off than if you stayed with the product, but no worse off than before you started using it.
       
 (DIR) Post #AwAhZo3XJYvZDhraJk by strypey@mastodon.nzoss.nz
       2025-07-15T22:39:57Z
       
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       @vees > not paying Apple does not come with the implied threat of Apple threatening or attacking you if you pick a different ecosystemJust like the mobsters running any protection racket won't threaten or attack you if you move your business out of their territory.> Lock-in may make you worse off than if you stayed with the product, but no worse off than before you started using itI don't understand what the argument is here. Is there a word missing or misplaced?