If

Eminent domain

Let’s do a thought experiment. If run most efficiently, a business eventually becomes extremely profitable. It also becomes indispensable, since people must be willing to continue to come. That, in theory, will make its stock as close to risk-free investment as a US government bond. Let’s assume the barrier to entry is so high, anyone who could do something to compete with the company works there. It acquired all of the competitors.

When that becomes a reality, does the society have a moral right to intervene? To answer no is to say that pursuing shareholder value at any cost, including altering the fabric of society itself, is right. So instead, how about we focus on the ground this moral right would stand on.

Capitalism is an interesting beast. It’s sort of a free and anonymous set of interactions.

Does a society nationalize the business?

Let it continue to run?

Divest it as needed, if possible?

Or let it own a share of market?

Leading all smaller entrepreneurs to a realization that anything that will be done in, say, social, will be owned by Facebook. Brands have potential to take over moments of life you associate with the values brand represents. Technology is a tool like any any other. Can be used for both good and bad.