Amazon’s removal of Parler shows cloud unit’s rarely used power


Amazon’s move to cut off Parler is a reminder that the company wields huge influence over what is seen on the Internet. — Reuters

The decision by Amazon.com Inc’s cloud unit to pull the plug on social-media service Parler highlighted the company’s often-overlooked role powering much of the Internet.

Parler went offline late Sunday after Amazon Web Services suspended its account, a potentially crippling blow for the site favoured by right-wing extremists, some of whom advocated violence ahead of last week’s riot at the US Capitol. In a letter to Parler seen by Bloomberg, Amazon said the company was unable to effectively keep calls for violence off its platform. The site on Monday sued Amazon, seeking to reverse the action and get back online.

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Cloud services

Next In Tech News

Russia restricts FaceTime, its latest step in controlling online communications
Studies: AI chatbots can influence voters
LG Elec says Microsoft and LG affiliates pursuing cooperation on data centres
Apple appoints Meta's Newstead as general counsel amid executive changes
AI's rise stirs excitement, sparks job worries
Australia's NEXTDC inks MoU with OpenAI to develop AI infrastructure in Sydney, shares jump
SentinelOne forecasts quarterly revenue below estimates, CFO to step down
Hewlett Packard forecasts weak quarterly revenue, shares fall
Microsoft to lift productivity suite prices for businesses, governments
Bank of America expands crypto access for wealth management clients

Others Also Read