White Nationalist Website Gab.com Is Taken Offline

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Gab.com, the social media platform that was used by Pittsburgh synagogue shooter Robert Gregory Bowers to post anti-Semitic comments went offline early this morning.

Gab is a popular gathering place for alt-right activists and white nationalists whose views are unwelcome or banned on other social media platforms.

Gab posted a message on its website that it is “under attack” and has been “systematically no-platformed” by hosting websites and other services.

A spokesman for a leading website hosting company, GoDaddy.com, announced that they told Gab to move to another website registrar after the synagogue massacre.

The reason given was that Gab had been routinely hosting web content that was in violation of GoDaddy’s terms of service.

“We have informed Gab.com that they have 24 hours to move the domain to another registrar,” the GoDaddy spokesperson said. He also added that there was undesirable content on Gab that clearly “promotes and encourages violence against people.”

This is not the first time Gab has been criticized for allowing extreme right-wing and neo-Nazi figures to use its platform. They have been defiant in the face of such criticism, however, because they believe they provide an important vehicle for people to freely express their opinions. In fact Gab describes itself as the “The Home Of Free Speech Online.”

Here is the entire message posted on Gab.com after the site was taken offline:

“Gab.com is under attack. We have been systematically no-platformed by App Stores, multiple hosting providers, and several payment processors. We have been smeared by the mainstream media for defending free expression and individual liberty for all people and for working with law enforcement to ensure that justice is served for the horrible atrocity committed in Pittsburgh. Gab will continue to fight for the fundamental human right to speak freely.”

“As we transition to a new hosting provider Gab will be inaccessible for a period of time. We are working around the clock to get Gab.com back online. Thank you and remember to speak freely.”

On Sunday night Gab said it was “working around the clock” to stay online after being cut off by payment processors and forced to switch web hosts. However those efforts appear to have failed, at least for the time being.

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Leo Vidal

I am a lifelong Democrat with a passion for social justice and progressive issues. I have degrees in writing, economics and law from the University of Iowa.