Twitter Highlight: Rita Katz on "Free Speech" Platforms as New Havens for QAnon, Far Right
Check out SITE Executive Director Rita Katz' latest tweets on how "free speech" social media platforms and ICT companies are creating new havens for misinformation and far-right conspiracy theories.
As mis/disinformation infects #Election2020, citizens are right to examine what is happening on social media platforms like @Facebook, @Twitter, and @YouTube. But as they ban conspiracy theorists & others, these users are increasingly resorting to “alternative” platforms.
— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz) November 12, 2020
Such accounts are growing on platforms like MeWe, Gab, Parler, and Bitchute. When I say growing, I mean *growing.* Below is a compilation of screenshots from #QAnon groups we’ve been tracking at @SITE_FRFL this past month on Gab, showing increases by the tens of thousands. pic.twitter.com/zhE7eur9XV
— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz) November 12, 2020
Same type of growth indicators can be seen on Parler, which has gained popularity as high-profile Trump allies have embraced it this past year. Here’s the account of General Flynn, who has become a prophet-like figure within #QAnon, nearly quadrupling in followers. pic.twitter.com/eeiCW8P9Ql
— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz) November 12, 2020
Also, if we’re looking for accountability, companies like @Cloudflare & others too often escape due scrutiny, even though they help register/host/protect some of the most problematic and foundational misinformation websites, as I wrote recently for @WIRED. https://t.co/RH8PT3LifY
— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz) November 12, 2020
