Parler was launched in 2018 with the objective of becoming a social media platform where everyone has the right to free speech. Unlike Twitter or Facebook, this website doesn’t monitor or fact-check content, allowing users to share their points of view without the fear of being banned. Of course, the app still needs to follow the law and suspend or terminate accounts that share libelous posts, make threatening comments, or promote hate speech.
If you’re a Twitter user, you’ll feel right at home using Parler. Users can share short-form posts (parleys) with up to 1,000 characters including hashtags, which can then be reposted (echoed) and upvoted by other users. Like any other social media website, you can also follow, block, and mute other accounts. Although pretty young, Parler has already had its fair share of scandals, and was banned at the beginning of 2021.
Due to its nature, Parler gathered many users with far-right and alt-right political views, with some sharing antisemitic, sexist, and racist content. However, what made tech giants Apple, Google, and Amazon pull the plug was the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Allegations that Parler users were instigating the use of violence in the Capitol were made, which led to Apple and Google taking Parler off the App and Play stores, respectively. On January 11, 2021 Amazon decided to cut all business relationships with Parler, leaving the app without the required servers to operate. Even though Parler was able to get back online by finding another provider, you won’t be able to find the app on the usual app stores.
Since Parler was banned from the App and Play store, there isn’t a way for you to directly install the app on your phone. Instead, you’ll need to download its APK file either from the company’s website or a third-party platform. We recommend the former, as APK files from untrusted sources can come with malware or viruses and may infect your phone the moment you install it.
If you’re using Parler, you’re likely to be a free speech and privacy advocate, which is why we highly recommend using a VPN when posting parleys and echoing other people’s content. Since this software encrypts all of your data, hackers, your ISP, and even the government, won’t be able to track your online activity. Moreover, if you’re in a country where Parler isn’t available due to licensing rights or a government ban, you’ll be able to circumvent this geo-restriction by connecting to an American server, which tricks the internet into thinking you’re in the U.S.
A surfing shark might not conjure up an image of security, but it does represent an effective way of defending yourself from the threats of the deep ocean that is the internet.
Established in 2018, Surfshark offers aesthetically-pleasing apps for multiple platforms. The Netherlands-based company continues to enhance its cybersecurity, merging with Nord Security in 2022. The VPN service doesn’t miss out on any critical security features, such as a static IP address and kill switch, and provides servers in more than 100 countries.
Additionally, Surfshark offers encryption protocols (including WireGuard) and P2P support, alternative IDs, and a no-logs policy. It is one of the cheapest services on the market and offers a 7-day free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS devices, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service risk free.
Proton VPN was originally created to protect journalists and activists from repressive governments and allow them to communicate safely, but it quickly rose in popularity among a broader audience. Launched by the Swiss company Proton AG in 2017, Proton VPN has everything required to let you browse the internet anonymously without worrying about privacy issues.
This multi-platform and open source VPN boasts above-average speeds, stable connections, no DNS leaks, P2P and streaming support, custom connection profiles, and best-in-class protocols like WireGuard. In addition, Proton VPN offers an unlimited free version and discounts of up to 70% on its paid plans.
ZoogVPN features the best encryption protocols on the market, multi-device support, up to 10 simultaneous connections, and decent performance. The company provides a limited free plan and paid plans with plenty of features to browse anonymously and bypass worldwide geo restrictions.
On top of all this, considering it’s based in Greece – a country outside the 14 eyes surveillance alliance – your data is much more safe and secure. Paid plans start at $2.49 per month, including a 75% discount, three months for free, and a -day money-back guarantee.
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