Parler

Parler is an American social networking service launched in August 2018 by co-founders John Matze Jr. and Jared Thomson, with financial backing from investor Rebekah Mercer. Matze and Thomson, both University of Denver computer science alumni, aimed to create a platform positioned as a "free speech" alternative to mainstream social media networks like Twitter and Facebook. The company's name is derived from the French word for "to speak."

The platform gained traction among conservatives who believed their views were being censored on other major platforms. Its user base grew significantly in mid-2020, attracting prominent Republican figures. However, the company has faced a tumultuous journey. Following reports that the platform was used to coordinate the U.S. Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, Parler was removed from the Google and Apple app stores and went offline when Amazon Web Services terminated its hosting services. Parler resumed services on February 15, 2021, after securing new hosting. The app was later reinstated on the Apple App Store in May 2021 and on the Google Play Store in September 2022 after implementing content moderation filters.

Parler operates as a microblogging service, allowing users to register accounts, follow other users, and view a chronological feed of posts, or "parleys." The business model has explored various revenue streams, including an influencer-based advertising model, merchandise sales, and an NFT marketplace called DeepRedSky. The platform has undergone several ownership and leadership changes. CEO John Matze was dismissed by the board in January 2021. In October 2022, a planned acquisition by Kanye West was announced but later cancelled. In April 2023, the digital media conglomerate Starboard acquired Parler and temporarily shut down the site for a "strategic assessment," stating that "a Twitter clone just for conservatives is a viable business any more." Subsequently, in December 2023, the company was sold to a new ownership group, which announced a planned relaunch in 2024.

Keywords: social media, free speech platform, conservative audience, microblogging, content moderation, digital media, user-generated content, online community, political discourse, data privacy