Russian Tech Firm Helps Revive Right-Wing Social Media App, Parler

The social media platform frequented by far-right extremists, Parler, was shut down by Amazon’s web hosting service after a many of its users called for violence and spread videos glorifying January 6’s storming of the U.S. Capitol building, and the app administrators’ subsequent unwillingness to moderate extreme users.

The Parler app is currently banned from both the Apple and Google Play Stores meaning there is no official way to download the app for most mobile devices. The went dark on January 7, but resumed service on January 18 without any of its Twitter-like functionality. 

Parler’s new IP address belongs to DDos-Guard, which is a Russian-owned company specializing in web security and hosting. DDos-Guard has previously hosted other far-right websites and sites supporting the Russian government.

Critics have commented on the unexpected partnership between the two entities considering many of Parler’s members are are self-proclaimed “ultra-nationalists.” Because of DDos-Guard’s connection to Russia and support of Vladimir Putin, some are concerned the website is being revived in order to spread false information similar to the Russian interference surrounding the 2016 presidential election.

In a Fox News interview, Parler CEO John Matze commented that he is “confident” that the website will return soon.