Platforms in Peril: The Great Deplatforming
In a world where social media and crowdfunding platforms wield significant influence, it’s no surprise that they are increasingly becoming the stage for heated debates—especially when it comes to free speech. Recent controversies have ignited a firestorm over account cancellations tied to users with controversial alt- and far-right views. While many applaud these moves as a necessary step against hate speech, others see it as a disturbing trend of censorship.
Cashing Out: High-Profile Exodus to Crypto
Dave Rubin, the political commentator and stand-up comedian turned freedom advocate, made headlines by deleting his Patreon account in favor of Bitcoin funding. Rubin claimed that his decision was spurred by the banning of Carl Benjamin (aka Sargon of Akkad), which he viewed as an unjust infringement on free expression. “I’m taking control of my destiny,” he stated, as if he were auditioning for a motivational seminar.
The Big Switch: Who Needs Income Anyway?
But really, who disregards up to 70% of their monthly revenue? According to Rubin, the courage to leap into Bitcoin was not just about finances; it was a symbolic stand against the encroaching censorship of free speech. Despite the risks, he and fellow commentator Dr. Jordan Peterson are now working on their own funding platform, illustrating that the anti-censorship sentiment is gaining traction.
The Case of Gab: Free Speech or Free-for-All?
Enter Gab, a social media platform that proudly touts itself as the bastion of free speech. However, its reputation for hosting some unsavory content led to its account being terminated by mainstream payment processors like Coinbase. Despite their claims of being champions of liberty, Gab struggles to shake off the stigma associated with its user base. It’s like trying to convince people your party was a wholesome gathering after someone threw up on the carpet.
Rebranding Freedom: To Bitcoin and Beyond
As Gab’s traditional funding avenues dry up, the company publicly embraces Bitcoin as a way to ensure financial independence from the mainstream. They tout narratives like “freedom from financial censorship” to regain credibility. They even dubbed themselves as “the most censored startup in history,” which sounds more like a marketing slogan than a sincere cry for help.
The Ripple Effect: An International Perspective
Not just confined to the U.S., the far-right movement is witnessing a similar shift across the pond. U.K. figures like Tommy Robinson have used cryptocurrencies as a funding alternative after being deplatformed for alleged hate speech violations. It appears that traditional funding methods are becoming increasingly hostile to anyone who strays outside the mainstream political lines.
The New Activists: Cashing in on Controversy
As activists turn to crypto for their funding needs, observers can’t help but notice a troubling trend: fewer conversation partners are willing to engage with them on mainstream platforms. As Mike Stuchbery poignantly notes, while calls for bank and payment provider accountability are steadily rising, they also serve to boost crypto’s reputation among the fringe.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Cryptos: Surfing the Censorship Wave
Despite the turmoil, platforms like Bisq are stealing the spotlight, promoting their decentralized services in the wake of account shutdowns. They emphasize censorship-resistance, aiming to lure deplatformed users who are keen on keeping their funds in their own pockets—now that’s a tempting offer for anyone feeling left out in the cold.
The Future is Now: A World Without Gatekeepers?
Supporters argue that Bitcoin’s inherent decentralized properties make it an ideal solution, irrespective of the user’s beliefs. As we ride the waves of this cryptocurrency baptism-by-fire, only time will tell if this payment revolution truly becomes a reliable substitute for traditional finance—or just another chapter in a turbulent saga of free expression and its digital battleground.
