Deplatforming[1] refers to a modern practice where individuals or organizations are restricted or removed from participating in a public forum or social media[2] platform, often due to controversial or harmful behavior. This action, which has roots in the banning of certain speakers from U.S. university campuses in the 1940s, has evolved with the advent of social media. Today, platforms such as Reddit[6], Facebook[3], Instagram[4], and Twitter[7] employ deplatforming to moderate content and control the spread of extremism. High-profile instances, such as the banning of figures like Alex Jones and Donald Trump, have brought attention to its impact and stirred debates about free speech, political neutrality, and the power of tech companies. Legislation addressing deplatforming is also being considered in several countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. However, the practice remains controversial, with critics raising concerns about its effects on academic freedom and the rights of users. Despite these controversies, deplatforming continues to be a significant tool in the digital age for managing content and shaping online discourse[5].
This article may lend undue weight to certain ideas, incidents, or controversies. (January 2021) |
Deplatforming, also known as no-platforming, is a boycott on an individual or group by removing the platforms used to share their information or ideas. The term is commonly associated with social media.