‘free speech’ app parler, used by far-right, bans users for speaking freely

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DIFFERENCE.Read more Parler, a self-styled “free speech” app popular with far-right figures, has been accused of banning users and removing content expressing contradictory or critical

sentiments. The app saw a surge in popularity following the US elections after Facebook and Twitter cracked down on “Stop the Steal” conspiracy theorists posting baseless claims about

widespread voting fraud. It became the most-downloaded app in the US over the weekend, with Parler founder John Matze revealing the app added two million new users in a single day after the

election was called in favour of Democratic candidate Joe Biden. Parler describes itself as “unbiased social media focused on real user experiences and engagement” that promotes “free

expression without violence and no censorship.” Among the most popular accounts are the US president’s son Eric Trump, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, and Benny Johnson from

the controversial croup Turning Point USA. Mr Johnson announced earlier this year that he was leaving Twitter because he was “disgusted with the censorship" on the site, claiming it was

“aggressively anti-free speech”. Now Parler is facing similar accusations, with some left-leaning users reporting on Twitter that they were banned for expressing contrarian opinions.

Despite positioning itself as a libertarian platform promoting freedon of expression, Parler’s community guidelines are more than 1,500 words and include rules that go far beyond legal

requirements. The guidelines forbid “posts that are irrelevant to the conversation”. Female nipples, even cartoon or drawn ones, are also banned, but “buttock is acceptable”. The User

Agreement also states: “Parler may remove any content and terminate your access to the Services at any time and for any reason.” Some users of more conventional social media platforms noted

that the move appeared contradictory to some right-wing tropes that liberals and those on the left are “snowflakes”. John Matze previously offered a $20,000 reward to any “openly liberal

pundit” with more than 50,000 Facebook or Twitter followers to join the platform. In an interview with CNBC in June, the Parler CEO said: “The whole company was never intended to be a

pro-Trump thing. A lot of the audience is pro-Trump. I don’t care. I’m not judging them either way.” Parler did not immediately respond to a request for comment from _The Independent_.