A popular video game chat service with 45 million-plus users just shut down the alt-right following Charlottesville
Discord
"Today, we've shut down the altright.com server and a number of accounts associated with the events in Charlottesville. We will continue to take action against white supremacy, Nazi ideology, and all forms of hate," read the statement, in part.
Discord is a venture-backed service providing voice- and text-chat services to over 45 million monthly active users. It's been called "Skype for gamers," though it's found a certain measure of popularity with other groups, as well. Altright.com, a popular news source for the alt-right, maintained a server on Discord for its community to chat.
The move to ban the alt-right from Discord comes as other social platforms, including Facebook and Twitter, come under scrutiny for allegedly allowing violent political ideologies to grow unchecked.
The immediate reaction from Discord users on Twitter was mixed: Some were grateful to Discord for taking a stand, while others voiced concerns that this move was tantamount to censorship.
Discord did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Love. Not hate. pic.twitter.com/5xFpvHTuI2
- Discord (@discordapp) August 14, 2017
Free speech is officially over on Discord, a large portion of your userbase will be moving to another platform. Shame.
- TheBigKK (@TheBigKK_) August 14, 2017
You guys are WONDERFUL. I am so glad to see you standing up to hate & standing instead for love. Thank you.
- Nasty Woman Pharanzu (@dreadravenanzu) August 14, 2017
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