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Article

11 Jan 2021

Author:
Access Now

How does Parler control information? Access Now calls for transparency

Access Now is calling upon social media platform, Parler, for transparency on how its policies affect human rights — particularly around disinformation, misinformation, hate speech, and other practices that impede informed discourse and public safety.

As Twitter and Facebook worked to curtail disinformation and misinformation throughout the 2020 U.S. election and its aftermath, Parler’s non-existent approach to curtailing misinformation and disinformation attracted millions who flocked to the emerging social media platform, amplifying its role in shaping public discourse.

Parler is quickly building a reputation as a safe-haven for right-wing extremists and conspiracy theorists, and recent reports have detailed racism, extremism, and anti-semitism across the platform. Users reportedly exploited its lax Community Guidelines to call for violence and share information that helped terrorists storm the Capitol.

... Very little is known about the platform’s approach to ensuring the privacy and safety of its 10 million-plus users, and non-users impacted by conversations facilitated on the platform. The increasing demand for its services also makes it a target for third parties seeking personal data and sensitive information.