Parler website returns with help from Russian firm; Still unusable
What's the story
A week after Silicon Valley oligarchs collectively banded together to eliminate the fastest growing social media platform Parler, it is back online in limited capacity. Parler was kicked off Apple and Google's app stores, with Amazon simultaneously removing server hosting for the platform without prior notice in a serious breach of contract. The website went offline last week until it reappeared on Monday.
Still nonfunctional
Website cites technical difficulties; CEO promises to bounce back
After being shut down by Silicon Valley tech firms, Parler had to seek help from a Russian firm DDoS-GUARD to restore the website. The company provides critical protection against Distributed Denial of Service attacks (DDoS). The Parler website shows a message relaying that it is facing technical difficulties, while also hosting CEO John Matze's promise that the platform will bounce back stronger.
Tech oligarchy
Apple and Google continue ban on the Parler app
Parler users cannot access the social media platform at the moment and are unable to view any content as such. Even if Parler succeeds in securing web hosting, it still won't have access to Apple and Google's app stores. Not unless it toes to the line of big media censorship and abandons its ethos of cultivating a non-partisan, free speech-focused platform.
Blame game
Evidence suggests Capitol Hill attackers may have coordinated on Facebook
Meanwhile, aWashington Post report has revealed new evidence suggesting that the Capitol Hill riots might have been planned on Facebook. It must be noted that Parler lacks Facebook's Groups feature that's generally used to coordinate political rallies. Although pundits are quick to cite Russian collusion, in reality, Parler was forced to seek help from a Russian firm after it had exhausted all Western options.
Nipped in the bud
Big tech won't allow Parler to become the next Signal
The incumbent social media platforms have benefited from the US Communications Decency Act, which provides liability from user content, even while they have been slow to remove offensive and violent content in the past. Accusing Parler of the same seems like a convenient double-standard being employed in, what appears to be, an anti-competitive move designed to wipe out a fastest growing free-speech alternative.