This image shows the logo of the Parler social app on a smartphone with its website in the background on July 2, 2020. (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY / AFP via Getty Images)
TO Newsroom
UPDATED 6:57 AM PT – Saturday, January 9, 2021
A social networking service known as Parler is facing immense pressure from large technology companies to strengthen its content moderation policies.
On Friday, Google and Apple suspended Parler from their app stores, claiming that some of the political posts on the platform incite violence and need to be regulated. A Google spokesman said the suspension would remain in place until developers develop a detailed content moderation plan and address what he called a “threat to public safety.”
The company noted that the measure will not affect Parler’s availability on the web, nor will it remove the app from existing users’ devices.
Meanwhile, Apple has taken a more aggressive approach, giving Parler 24 hours to improve content moderation or be removed from the app store indefinitely.
Now, Apple and Google are threatening to ban Parler from stopping people from going on any alternative platform.
They create a monopoly. They want NO IDEAS or CONVERSATIONS that they cannot control.
They don’t want conservatives to communicate with each other.
– Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) January 9, 2021
Although founded in 2018, Parler has recently made a name for itself as an alternative to social media for those who have been banned or silenced on major social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook.
Parler is not a “right” application, but only protects freedom of expression. It is neutral in point of view.
That’s what our digital rulers are so worried about: free speech. Democrats can’t afford a place to share ideas without the thumb on the scale.
It’s worth asking why
– Buck Sexton (@BuckSexton) January 9, 2021
Notable users include Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Who turned to the platform earlier this year after their voices were largely silenced elsewhere.
Amid the recent ban, many agree that Silicon Valley has gone too far.
“We can’t just revoke someone’s voice because we don’t agree with what they say,” said Monica Stephens, a professor at the University at Buffalo.
Despite the threats, Parler CEO John Matze maintains his position, making sure he does not comply with Apple and Google’s requirements. He went on to accuse companies of applying Parler’s standards that they do not apply to their own services.
He added that America “has already lost if speech needs to be restricted or censored to keep the country safe.”