ISPs can ban users just as capriciously as any other company. And they do.
Decentralized internet alternatives are both harder to use (and "host your own infrastructure" is already impossibly hard for the vast majority of people) and too limited to be useful.
It's time to accept that and emergent behavior of the internet is to become more centralized, not less.
This is where, legally, I think there should be limits. ISPs are effectively utilities, I don’t think they should be able to ban anyone so capriciously.
Beyond that, there are systems we as developers can build to make it easier for users to self-host on small home servers. But if your internet connection is cut off, building an alternative is hardly an option.
Change ISP, then. Use a mobile ISP. Use Starlink for all I care. Just laying down to accept that and emergent behavior of the internet is to become more centralized is not an option if you want to retain a semblance of 'data freedom'.
Some of us have only one ISP to pick from. I look forward to seeing what Starlink can offer, just so I know who to call if my ISP decides they don't like me. Nothing would kill my data freedom like a lack of pipeline.
If traditional ISPs including Starlink and the other upcoming satellite-based access providers all end up blocking you [1] there are other ways of getting linked up, even though they come at the cost of performance and ease of use. Mesh networks can be used for the 'last mile', I2P or similar 'darknet' protocols can be used to get content spread, a willing neighbour could hook you up through wifi and tor, etc. Do mind that this is not a goal in and of itself, it would be a way to continue to be connected to the 'net in the face of a total blockade by regular commercial access providers. Where there is a will there is a way.
[1] If everybody is out to block you it might also be time to wonder why they're all blocking you...
Do they? Could you provide some examples of this? The only time I've heard of ISPs banning users are in the case of piracy or otherwise illegal activity which isn't capricious at all.
ISPs can ban users just as capriciously as any other company. And they do.
Decentralized internet alternatives are both harder to use (and "host your own infrastructure" is already impossibly hard for the vast majority of people) and too limited to be useful.
It's time to accept that and emergent behavior of the internet is to become more centralized, not less.