Conservatives have long suspected Big Tech of silencing their voices. This past May only confirmed that suspicion. Whether it was users criticizing terrorist group Hamas, voicing opinions contrary to progressive views on transgender issues, or anyone between the average Joe to big names like former President Trump, Big Tech censorship was in full swing.
Tech giants Google, Meta, and TikTok were at the forefront of these acts. For instance, they targeted key political personalities. Google pulled a Trump campaign ad from its platform, citing unspecified ‘policy violation’. The ad highlighted concerns with Biden’s policies on inflation and immigration, ending with a voter stating their preference for Trump. The decision was reversed amidst backlash, attributed to an error by Google.
Meanwhile, Meta (Facebook) obstructed users trying to share Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s documentary “Who is Bobby Kennedy”. The platform labeled the link as ‘malicious’ or ‘spam’ in error messages, preventing users from editing posts and sharing the video. While both issues have since been resolved, it’s unsettling how swiftly such hindrances were initially implemented.
When it came to non-American matters, platforms like TikTok censored users criticizing Hamas, a known terrorist organization. The platform went so far as to remove users’ comments, declaring them in violation of community standards. Furthermore, Chinese-owned TikTok holds ties with the Chinese Communist Party, raising concerns over their censorship policies.
Discussion around COVID-19 wasn’t safe from censorial eyes either. Google-owned YouTube went after content criticizing the pandemic response, such as an episode of ‘The Life Stylist Podcast’ featuring Dr. Peter McCullough, which was abruptly taken down without clear justification.
Worse still, Big Tech played favorites with ideology, particularly on the topic of transgenderism. Critical voices on platforms like TikTok and Meta were swiftly taken down under accusations of hate speech. It becomes clearer that Big Tech favors certain narratives while suppressing the voices that disagree.
Even global politics wasn’t left untouched. Dutch conservative commentator Eva Vlaardingerbroek’s YouTube video discussing the ‘Great Replacement’ theory was labeled as ‘hate speech’ and temporarily removed, further demonstrating YouTube’s selective treatment of information.
Lastly, TikTok targeted Republican candidate for Indiana House of Representatives, Brian Savilla. His video discussing Democratic initiatives undermining election safeguards was mysteriously taken down, leaving followers in the dark.
In totality, the pattern is all too clear. Big Tech is actively controlling the narrative and deciding who gets a voice. It’s a blatant disregard for democratic principles, an affront towards free speech and fair discourse. The implications of these discriminatory acts extend far beyond just May; they compromise the very fabric of our society. We must be vigilant in demanding transparency and fair treatment in these platforms that have become integral to our daily lives. It’s high time that Big Tech recognizes and respects the scope and influence they wield.
