Apps claiming ‘free speech’ for users vie for Parler’s place

Gab got 600,000 new users in the early hours of Monday alone after Parler was taken off the Internet by Amazon Web Services. — AFP

Big tech’s decision to ban the Parler app and block outgoing US President Donald Trump is stoking support for alternative social networking sites and apps that bill themselves as promoting free speech and privacy.

Facebook Inc and Twitter Inc took the strongest action yet to address accusations that their platforms are being used to stoke conspiracy theories, misinformation and incite violence after a mob at a Trump rally broke into the US Capitol last week. Right-wing users have felt maligned and moved to alternative sites like Parler, backed by Rebekah Mercer, the daughter of hedge fund investor Robert Mercer. A rush to the site late last year made Parler the top downloaded app following President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.