The social media platform Parler was practically wiped off the Internet last week, but on Sunday it showed some signs of life. A message from Parler CEO John Matze, first observed by CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan– now appears on the website URL, with an image showing the “technical difficulties” banner and message.
“Now it seems like the right time to remind all of you – lovers and haters – why we started this platform. We believe that privacy is fundamental and freedom of expression is essential, especially on social networks, ”says the message, promising“ to welcome you all soon ”.
Amazon removed Parler from its hosting platform earlier this month, saying in a letter that “it cannot provide services to a customer who is unable to effectively identify and remove content that encourages or incites violence against others.” Parler was identified as a location where people who participated in the January 6 deadly attack on Capitol Hill planned the attack.
The site is now hosted by Epik, as noted by CNN, a hosting company that also supports far-right sites like Gab and 8chan. Amazon’s suspension came after Apple and Google removed Parler’s app from their respective app stores. Matze said that even Parler’s lawyers cut ties.
Parler sued Amazon for interrupting its hosting, and in response, Amazon detailed some of the violent and graphic threats posted on the site that led to its removal, including posts calling for police shots, killing of blacks and Jews and murders.
Parler was launched in 2018 and its number of users skyrocketed after election day in the United States, as other social platforms hardened their moderation policies. Parler’s less stringent moderation policies have attracted many new users.
Parler may have a difficult way back to his former state, however, after researchers archived 99% of his posts, collecting videos and other data, some with GPS information. This file was used to create an interactive map of the attack on the Capitol.