Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

Yes. That's how a disruptive companies operate in outdated regulatory environments, and that can be a win for all. Call it corporate civil disobedience?

Case and point: Uber was basically a (hugely popular) mediator for illegal cabs in my country. They had to shut down, but as a response the government introduced new vastly relaxed regulations to the whole taxi industry, setting the rules under which services like Uber could operate. I am not yet sure if it will actually result in lower rates, but at least they catalyzed a historical change.




What a great company they are. Fast forward 10 years and cab fairs are three times as expensive with literally no competition.

Thanks.


>Call it corporate civil disobedience No thanks, I'll call it corporate law breaking. It's offensive that anyone would equate a corporation breaking the laws of society for MONEY with the emancipation of oppressed human beings.


To be fair, not all civil disobedience is always for emancipation from oppression (think publicly smoking cannabis to protest prohibition.)




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: