Trump supporters’ favourite app relaunched but is full of technical problems

The controversial social media app Parler, which has become a haven for right wing activity in recent months attempted a relaunch on Monday, after it was initially sut down following the violent insurrection at the US Capitol.

The app was largely blamed for the 6th January riot in Washington, where users were freely able to spread information about the siege. Following the disturbing scenes of that day, many major online stores that were hosting the app, such as Apple and Google, removed it from their service.

On Monday it attempted something of a relaunch. In a statement released by the firm it said, “Parler, the world’s #1 free speech social media platform with over 20 million users, is announcing its official relaunch today, built on sustainable, independent technology and not reliant on so-called “Big Tech” for its operations. Parler’s relaunch - open to Americans of all viewpoints - is available immediately.”

This statement came with an added quote from Interim CEO Mark Meckler, a Tea Party activist who stepped into the role, after Mark Matze was fired earlier this month. Meckler said, “Parler was built to offer a social media platform that protects free speech and values privacy and civil discourse. When Parler was taken offline in January by those who desire to silence tens of millions of Americans, our team came together, determined to keep our promise to our highly engaged community that we would return stronger than ever. We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back. “

Subsequent reports confirmed that old accounts on the app were restored with prominent conservative voices such as Sean Hannity encouraging people to return and “join in.”

However, it soon became apparent to some that the app wasn’t working properly with Media ITE reporting that users were being met with the message ‘Technical Difficulties.’

The Daily Beast adds that the problems included slow speeds and users not being able to access the app on their mobile devices.

Upon relaunch Parler has insisted that they will be removing any posts that appear to be inciting any acts of violence and that warning labels will be added to posts that attack someone based on their ‘race, sex, sexual orientation, or religion.’

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