After Twitter sanctions... Kanye West to acquire 'far-right SNS' Parler

American hip-hop star Ye (formerly Kanye West) [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] American hip-hop star Ye (formerly Kanye West) has decided to acquire the far-right social networking service (SNS) Parler. After being banned from Instagram, Twitter, and other platforms due to anti-Semitic remarks, he chose to purchase an SNS himself.

On the 17th (local time), the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and others reported that Parler's parent company, Parlement Technologies, and Ye have reached a principled agreement regarding the acquisition. The price Ye will pay to acquire Parler has not been disclosed.

Parler was founded in 2018, promoting itself as a "space aiming for free speech," and grew into a far-right SNS based on looser content regulations compared to other SNS platforms like Twitter and Facebook. After the January 6th storming of the U.S. Capitol last year, Parler was removed from Apple and Google's app stores for allegedly allowing posts inciting violence to remain. At that time, Parler promised to strengthen content regulations and returned to the app stores.

Ye's decision to acquire Parler was influenced by his recent bans from SNS platforms including Twitter. Recently, posts he uploaded on his Twitter and Instagram accounts were deleted for containing anti-Semitic content. He was also restricted from posting on his accounts.

In an interview with Bloomberg News on the same day, Ye stated that he decided to acquire Parler because existing platforms like Instagram and Twitter restrict users' speech too much. He said, "I use SNS as a therapist," adding, "Express what you feel, express what is trapped inside you, express what is bothering you."

Ye also mentioned that after his Twitter account was suspended last week, he met with Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, but did not seek any specific advice regarding the Parler acquisition. He said he plans to have dinner with former U.S. President Donald Trump this week and will invite him to Parler. He also added that he will join Trump's SNS, Truth Social.

Parlement Technologies, in a statement, described Ye's acquisition of Parler as a "historic move for freedom of expression," and said, "There will be no need to worry about being kicked off SNS again."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.