On: Facebook has sent a cease-and-desist letter to res...

[stale2002]

> None of the services they provide are essential.

I use online messaging and online communication more than I use the telephone network.

To me, and many others, these online platforms are as or more essential than the phone system, which is already covered by common carrier laws.

[Natanael_L → stale2002]

Utility regulation doesn't depend only on importance. It depends on importance plus access.

That's why your local grocery store can ban you even if food is necessary for your survival, because you didn't lose access to other sources (stores).

[root_axis → stale2002]

> I use online messaging and online communication more than I use the telephone network.

That's your choice, you don't have to use any particular online messaging service. My cousins communicate over steam more than over SMS, that doesn't mean steam is a utility.