Parler, the alternative social network popular with conservatives, has been banned by Apple, Google and Amazon.
Despite its niche audience, Parler is surging in popularity. The platform became the most-downloaded app on the weekend of November 8 — the day major media outlets called the election for Joe Biden. But the platform has failed to rein in hate-filled, violent speech, which Big Tech companies said could lead to another event like Wednesday’s siege of the US Capitol. What is Parler? Parler, founded in 2018, bills itself as „unbiased social media“ and a place where people can „speak freely and express yourself openly without fear of being ‚deplatformed‘ for your views,“ according to its website and App Store description. It looks like a mashup of Twitter (TWTR) and Instagram, with its main feed, follower counts and ways to share posts and links. The social media platform has been heavily used by supporters of President Donald Trump, including some who participated in Wednesday’s US Capitol unrest. Many conservative politicians and media personalities have become active on Parler. Among those who have been active on Parler include Fox News host Sean Hannity, radio personality Mark Levin, far-right activist Laura Loomer, Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Devin Nunes. Eric Trump also has an account verified by Parler as does Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. What’s fueling its growth? Facebook (FB), Twitter and other social networks stepped up efforts to crack down on misinformation leading up to and following the presidential election in November. That led many prominent conservatives to claim that their voices have been disproportionately censored. Twitter hid dozens of President Donald Trump’s tweets in the weeks following the election, and both platforms banned Trump last week following the siege of the Capitol that he encouraged in speeches and on social media.
