Parler was launched in 2018 with the objective of becoming a social media platform where everyone has the right to free speech. Unlike Twitter or Facebook, this website doesn’t monitor or fact-check content, allowing users to share their points of view without the fear of being banned. Of course, the app still needs to follow the law and suspend or terminate accounts that share libelous posts, make threatening comments, or promote hate speech.
If you’re a Twitter user, you’ll feel right at home using Parler. Users can share short-form posts (parleys) with up to 1,000 characters including hashtags, which can then be reposted (echoed) and upvoted by other users. Like any other social media website, you can also follow, block, and mute other accounts. Although pretty young, Parler has already had its fair share of scandals, and was banned at the beginning of 2021.
Was Parler Banned?
Due to its nature, Parler gathered many users with far-right and alt-right political views, with some sharing antisemitic, sexist, and racist content. However, what made tech giants Apple, Google, and Amazon pull the plug was the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Allegations that Parler users were instigating the use of violence in the Capitol were made, which led to Apple and Google taking Parler off the App and Play stores, respectively. On January 11, 2021 Amazon decided to cut all business relationships with Parler, leaving the app without the required servers to operate. Even though Parler was able to get back online by finding another provider, you won’t be able to find the app on the usual app stores.
Unblocking Parler
Since Parler was banned from the App and Play store, there isn’t a way for you to directly install the app on your phone. Instead, you’ll need to download its APK file either from the company’s website or a third-party platform. We recommend the former, as APK files from untrusted sources can come with malware or viruses and may infect your phone the moment you install it.
If you’re using Parler, you’re likely to be a free speech and privacy advocate, which is why we highly recommend using a VPN when posting parleys and echoing other people’s content. Since this software encrypts all of your data, hackers, your ISP, and even the government, won’t be able to track your online activity. Moreover, if you’re in a country where Parler isn’t available due to licensing rights or a government ban, you’ll be able to circumvent this geo-restriction by connecting to an American server, which tricks the internet into thinking you’re in the U.S.
Recommended VPNs for Parler
Surfshark
When it comes to security, few can compete with Surfshark. With the ability to apply double encryption to your connection, this VPN makes sure to bite people’s hacking attempts off. It offers over 1,200 servers in more than 60 countries, and the company follows a no-log policy. This way, you can rest assured that your online information won’t be stored on a company’s servers. Surfshark also supports a wide variety of devices, including mobile, and you can count on several extras like an app that searches for leaked emails and passwords, and an ad-free search engine. To make things even better, prices are affordable – starting at $1.99 per month – and you can test everything out through a 7-day free trial.
ProtonVPN
Created by the same team behind ProtonMail, ProtonVPN is another excellent option when looking for a VPN to use with Parler. On top of being headquartered in a country where privacy comes first (Switzerland), the company also follows a strict no-log policy. Its VPN network has over 1,000 servers located in more than 50 countries, providing reliable speeds across the board. But ProtonVPN offers some advanced features, too. Probably the most remarkable feature is the secure core – a tool that routes your traffic through multiple servers before leaving the company’s network to prevent network-based attacks. The best part is that you can use a limited version of ProtonVPN entirely for free, which offers unlimited bandwidth usage.
ZoogVPN
ZoogVPN also offers a free version that you can use. Although this subscription comes with a 2GB bandwidth limit, it should be enough for you to browse Parler throughout the month. Of course, the best way to take advantage of this no-log VPN is by getting a paid plan, with prices starting at $1.75 per month. This not only opens the VPN network to more than 45 servers, but it also comes with strong 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and the ability to bypass websites’ firewalls. If you’re interested, you can test ZoogVPN’s premium version for seven days through the company’s risk-free money-back guarantee.
Best VPN Services of 2024
Rank | Provider | Info | Visit |
1
|
Editor's Choice 2024
|
|
|
2
|
|
||
3
|
|
Get the Best VPN Deals
Want to stay up to date on the latest VPN news and discounts? Get exclusive offers and deals sent straight to your inbox!