Parler

Parler. Parler is an American microblogging and social networking service launched in August 2018. The platform positions itself as a free speech-oriented alternative to mainstream sites like Twitter and Facebook, with minimal content moderation. It gained significant attention and user growth in 2020, particularly among conservative and right-wing users, before facing major controversies and temporary removal from major app stores following the January 6 United States Capitol attack.

History

Parler was founded in Henderson, Nevada, by software developers John Matze and Jared Thomson, with significant financial backing from Republican donor Rebekah Mercer. The platform launched publicly in August 2018, entering a market dominated by established players like Twitter and Facebook. Its growth remained modest until mid-2020, when it began to attract users who felt censored by other platforms, including prominent figures like Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Devin Nunes. Following the 2020 United States presidential election, Parler's user base surged dramatically as Donald Trump supporters migrated from larger platforms. This period culminated in Parler becoming the most-downloaded app in the Apple App Store for a brief time. However, in the wake of the January 6 United States Capitol attack, both Apple Inc. and Google removed the Parler app from their respective stores, and Amazon Web Services terminated its hosting services, citing violations of their policies against violent content. The platform went offline for approximately a month before returning with new hosting from SkySilk.

Features and policies

The platform's interface and core functionality are similar to Twitter, centered around short posts called "parleys." Users can follow others, "echo" (similar to retweet) posts, and use "votes" as a form of engagement. A key distinguishing feature is Parler's stated commitment to the First Amendment, with community guidelines that prohibit certain categories of content like spam, terrorism, and criminal activity, but are far less restrictive on political speech than its competitors. Moderation is primarily driven by a community jury system, where users can report content for review by randomly selected peers. The platform also employs human moderators and automated filters, particularly for illegal material. Unlike many social networks, Parler did not employ fact-checking labels on posts, a policy that contributed to its reputation as a haven for misinformation.

User base and usage

Parler's user base has been predominantly composed of American conservatives, libertarians, and supporters of former President Donald Trump. The platform attracted a wide range of public figures, including politicians like Senator Rand Paul, media personalities such as Sean Hannity and Dan Bongino, and controversial commentators from Fox News and other outlets. It also became a hub for members of far-right groups, including some associated with the Proud Boys and QAnon. Usage patterns showed high engagement around political events, with significant activity during the 2020 United States presidential election and the Stop the Steal rally. Data analysis by researchers like those at Stanford Internet Observatory indicated that the platform facilitated the organization and coordination of real-world events, including the January 6 United States Capitol attack.

Controversies and moderation

Parler has been embroiled in numerous controversies primarily related to its hands-off moderation approach. Critics, including organizations like the Anti-Defamation League and Southern Poverty Law Center, accused the platform of allowing rampant hate speech, conspiracy theories, and calls for violence. These concerns came to a head after the January 6 United States Capitol attack, when investigators found extensive planning and celebratory posts related to the riot on Parler. The platform's temporary removal by Apple Inc., Google, and Amazon Web Services was a direct result of its failure to moderate such content effectively. Internal documents and statements from former CEO John Matze revealed ongoing tensions between the company's free speech ideals and the practical necessities of moderating illegal content to remain on major internet service provider networks.

Business and financial operations

Parler LLC is a privately held company. Its initial and primary financial backer is Rebekah Mercer, a prominent donor to Republican causes and a board member of the Heritage Foundation. The company's revenue model has included plans for advertising, though its reliance on a niche user base has presented challenges in attracting major brands. Following its service shutdown in January 2021, Parler laid off a significant portion of its staff. The company has explored various partnerships and funding rounds, including a failed deal with the special-purpose acquisition company Digital World Acquisition Corp., which later merged with Trump Media & Technology Group. Its long-term financial sustainability remains uncertain amid intense competition and ongoing operational hurdles.

Technical infrastructure and security

Initially, Parler relied on Amazon Web Services (AWS) for its cloud hosting and infrastructure. After its deplatforming by AWS, it migrated to the services of SkySilk, a smaller cloud provider. The platform's security practices have been heavily criticized. Following the January 2021 events, hackers and researchers exploited security flaws to archive and publicly release a vast trove of Parler data, including millions of posts, user profiles, and even location metadata from videos. This data breach, analyzed by groups like Gizmodo and The Guardian, revealed significant technical vulnerabilities. The incident raised serious questions about the platform's data protection measures and its ability to safeguard user information, contrasting sharply with the more robust security protocols of established tech firms like Meta and Alphabet Inc.. Category:Social networking services Category:American websites Category:Companies established in 2018