TECHNOLOGY
The site is quickly gaining traction among ex-Facebook and Twitter users who feel social networks are overly censored.
If you believe the core concept of the internet is freedom of speech, there’s a new social network just for you.
Gab.ai, which launched just shy of a month ago, is a new social network for users who believe in their right to free expression, no matter whom it may offend. Gab has already garnered quite a bit of attention, with 12,000 users and 42,000 more waitlisted so far, according to Buzzfeed News.
Founded by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Andrew Torba, (an open Donald Trump supporter), the site claims to offer almost limitless freedom of expression. The only restrictions here are against threats of violence, illegal pornography, and doxxing (releasing someone’s personal information without their consent). The site has some basic Twitter-like follow mechanics, and the ability to upvote or downvote posts in your feed like on Reddit.
Social media networks Facebook and Twitter have been under fire lately for varying reasons. For Facebook, it began in earnest recently with the revelation that the company may be tailoring its trending section to keep out certain stories. In Twitter’s case, it’s been a long-time struggle for victims to receive any help in cases of online abuse. Bearing that in mind, a lot of people were chagrined by Twitter’s speedy removals of any Olympic footage posted online, thanks to NBC’s exclusive rights to broadcast in the US.
In addition to all of that, a lot of groups view both major social networks as overbearing, censoring the unnecessary and essentially “coddling” their user base. Let’s not forget Twitter’s permaban of controversial Internet personality Milo Yiannopoulos, for instigating a harassment campaign against Ghostbusters actor Leslie Jones. Though the move was fairly straightforward to most users, some questioned the ethicality of the ban.
So it’s no real surprise that Gab is now finding some popularity, though how long it lasts is anyone’s guess. And how does Torba plan to regulate harassment in a free speech medium? Self policing of course. “What makes the entirely left-leaning Big Social monopoly qualified to tell us what is ‘news’ and what is ‘trending’ and to define what ‘harassment’ means?” said Torba in an email to Buzzfeed. “It didn’t feel right to me, and I wanted to change it, and give people something that would be fair and just.”
Users are given tools to filter posts they say based on flagged words, mute certain users, or only view posts from verified users. But Torba has said that’s the end of it, Gab will not step in to moderate or censor anything. In fact, the website’s homepage carries a now infamous quote by British Indian novelist Salman Rushdie: “What is freedom of expression? Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist.”
Again, how long the website’s popularity lasts is anyone’s game. It’s highly likely Gab may never be more than a glorified chat room, considering the universal draw of other social networks in comparison to its own community of disgruntled ex-Facebook and Twitter users. But if Gab.ai ever does take off, we might have a real problem on our hands. Social networks with minimal policing are a nest for troublemakers among the innocent bystanders, we’ve already seen this with 4chan. In which case, Torba might one day have to backtrack a teensy bit on his complete freedom of expression, and that’s the day Gab.ai becomes like any other social network.
Meet woman, BTech graduate who was college topper, cracked UPSC CSE in 1st attempt with AIR...
Watch: Mohammed Shami bowls at full tilt in nets after India's 8-wicket defeat in Bengaluru Test
iPhone 15 effectively available for under Rs 50,000 during Flipkart Big Diwali Sale, here’s how…
'I can’t believe': Video of snake swallowing large egg in one go leaves internet stunned, watch
Bigg Boss 18: Viral Bhabhi Hema Sharma becomes first evicted contestant of Salman Khan-hosted show
New ITR e-filing portal 3.0 to be launched soon: Check features and other important details
Indian Railway Rules: You won't be able to carry these items during train journey due to...
New Zealand's Suzie Bates surpasses Mithali Raj for massive feat in women’s international cricket
Diwali 2024: Is Deepawali on October 31 or November 1? Know date, rituals, significance and more
Baba Siddique's son Zeeshan dares killers, says, 'they silenced my father, but they forget...'
Flipkart Big Diwali Sale: Massive discount on Moto G85, iPhone 15 Plus and more
CNG prices likely to surge by Rs 4-6, here's everything you need to know
This is world's most expensive condom that is 200 years old, it is made of...
PM Narendra Modi to virtually inaugurate Bagdogra airport terminal worth Rs 1550 crore
Meta AI on WhatsApp to soon serve as your personal assistant, know how it will work
Shocking: People in THIS country love eating crocodile meat, price of reptile's meat per kg is Rs...
Russia shoots down over 100 Ukrainian drones as missile strike on Ukraine injures 17
Delhi pollution hits ‘severe’ levels, AAP govt lists THIS reason as major factor
Elon Musk promises to award $1 million each day to anyone who signs his...
Loud blast in Delhi: Explosion reported outside CRPF school in Rohini, probe underway
‘No clean shave, no love’: Indore women's dating demands sparks discussion, watch viral video
Isha Ambani turns heads in stunning black and white outfit at Mumbai event, it costs...
Big move by Mukesh Ambani as Reliance Industries to revive Campa Cola, plans to disrupt...
'Mom, thank you...': Isha Ambani credits Nita Ambani for her success in touching speech
8th Pay Commission: Minimum salary to be doubled? Big announcement expected on...
Kichcha Sudeep’s mother Saroja Sanjeev passes away at 86 due to…
'The answer lies in the...': Gautam Adani gets candid on why he didn't complete his education
Cultural Shock? Desi singing loudly inside bus in Germany divides opinion, watch viral video
Meet man who worked as waiter, earned Rs 3,000 per month, cracked UPSC exam with AIR...
Noida Master Plan-2041: NCR to get new city, UP government approves 'New Noida', to be readied in…
Understanding Fault Lines: Deep dive into India-Canada diplomatic standoff
Aditya Birla Group's big movement, set to invest Rs 75 crore in THIS Virat Kohli backed brand
Air Pollution: Delhi-NCR air quality turns 'severe', AQI reaches...
70 Bomb Threats In 6 Days: What is the reason behind this surge in hoax warnings?
'I'm sorry...': Throwback to when Ratan Tata fact-checked journalist for a quote attributed to him
Salman Khan gets emotional at Bigg Boss 18 amid death threats: ‘What all I am going through…’
'Grave mistake': Netanyahu warns Iran, Hezbollah after 'assassination' attempt
Mukesh Ambani's next BIG step, Jio Cinema likely to shut down due to...
Meet man, who used to be mechanic, cleared UPSC exam on first attempt, secured AIR 32 to become....
RRB NTPC 2024: Registration window ends today, check easy steps to apply at rrbapply.gov.in
Watch: Little girl lifts huge snake in viral video, parents face backlash for dangerous stunt
Happy Karwa Chauth 2024: WhatsApp wishes, messages and quotes for your loved ones
Zerodha's Nikhil Kamath, known for favouring renting, buys his 1st house; here's why
Meet Ratan Tata’s favourite chef, who began his career in a garage, now he is...
Rajinikanth to compensate producer's loss for Vettaiyan failure? Here's what we know