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.
Was Parler banned?
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.
Unblocking Parler
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.
Recommended VPNs for Parler
Surfshark
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