Google recently suspended and removed the PragerU app from Google Play due to unclear reasons related to a “hate speech” policy. The suspension was quickly lifted after further review, with Google citing a mistake in the decision. However, this is not the first time PragerU has faced censorship from Google, raising questions about the tech giant’s actions. The censorship of certain content while allowing other questionable content to remain available shows the arbitrary nature of “hate speech” policies.
The impact of Google’s censorship goes beyond just PragerU, as it can influence public discourse and have financial implications for shareholders. There is a growing concern about companies like Google having too much control over what is acceptable in the public sphere. Other companies have faced backlash for similar actions, highlighting the risks associated with speech suppression.
Google has the opportunity to change course by revisiting its “hate speech” policy, similar to what JP Morgan Chase did. A recent study found that a majority of major companies have vague or subjective terms of service that could lead to censorship. These policies have the potential to affect individuals across the political spectrum, not just conservative groups like PragerU.
While Google has acknowledged its mistake, the question remains whether they will implement significant changes to prevent such incidents in the future. It is crucial for companies that control the digital public space to ensure that they uphold principles of free speech and avoid unnecessary censorship.
Article Source
https://thefederalist.com/2024/06/19/googles-censorship-machine-targets-prageru-again/
