The Alleged Censorship Saga
LBRY, a blockchain-powered file-sharing and payment network, recently dropped a digital bombshell on Twitter. The company accused tech titan Apple of coercing them into filtering search results concerning COVID-19 during the tumultuous pandemic period. Apparently, if they didn’t comply, they could kiss their apps goodbye from the Apple store.
Over 20 Censored Terms
In a candid tweet on November 28, LBRY expressed how they crafted a list of over 20 terms they had to mute, particularly focusing on sensitive topics like vaccines and the origins of the virus. Imagine trying to navigate a minefield with a blindfold on; that’s kind of what it felt like for LBRY. The company said, “If we did not filter the terms, our apps would not be allowed in the store,” illustrating the high stakes of tech monopolies.
LBRY’s Creative Space
For those who don’t know, LBRY functions as a decentralized platform, granting creators—be it artists, filmmakers, or writers—the reins to manage their work without middlemen. One of its star products is Odysee, a video-sharing platform. However, sentiment is mixed on whether this specific application faced the censorship heat.
Reaction from the Crypto Community
Elon Musk, the famous Twitter mogul, fanned the flames of discussion when he revealed that Apple had curbed its advertising on the platform, igniting a discourse about content control and freedom of expression. Alongside, LBRY chimed in sharing their own ‘Apple trouble.’ Here’s the kicker: during the censorship talk, they also alleged that content featuring the infamous Internet meme, Pepe the Frog, got rejected by Apple! Clearly, the green meme frog is still making waves—but not all of them good.
Where Do We Go from Here?
As discussions about censorship escalate on social media platforms, Musk hinted at the forthcoming publication of the so-called “Twitter Files,” exposing purported suppression of free speech on Twitter. Meanwhile, users are increasingly turning toward decentralized platforms. Comparison is in the air, especially with the unveil of Jack Dorsey’s new venture, Bluesky Social, aimed at giving users control over their data and freedom to switch platforms without the usual red tape. Who knew the fight for free speech would spawn another crypto revolution?
