Businesses defying progressive ideology face hurdles from tech giants, including ad restrictions, payment processing blocks, and political disclaimers. Experts warn of the erosion of free speech and open markets.
Political polarization has sparked a "parallel economy" of businesses catering to consumers dissatisfied with progressive companies. However, these anti-woke businesses allege that tech giants are impeding their growth by imposing unfair restrictions.
Jennifer Sey, CEO of XX-XY Athletics, a pro-women apparel company, claims that Meta's advertising tool disproportionately excludes influencers whose audiences align with their products. This, she says, handicaps brands that challenge gender ideology or other progressive narratives.
Big Tech's Shadow Ban: Stifling American Dreams in the Parallel Economy
James Staake, owner of Your American Flag Store, faced similar difficulties with Shopify and PayPal. His conservative-leaning products disappeared from his online store, and his social media advertising privileges were revoked. PayPal later froze $111,000 of his funds, which he regained after a public outcry.
Staake believes that big tech companies have excessive control over American dreams, threatening to extinguish them arbitrarily. In response, alternative payment processors such as Second Amendment Processing and PublicSquare have emerged to provide "cancel-proof" solutions for businesses.
Big Tech's Shadow Ban: Stifling American Dreams in the Parallel Economy
Sey has also faced challenges with TikTok and Comcast. TikTok suspended XX-XY's advertising due to "offensive content" despite the ad simply advocating for protecting girls' sports. Comcast refused to air the same ad on TV without a political disclaimer, a treatment Sey had never encountered before.
These incidents have raised concerns among experts, who see a double standard in the treatment of businesses based on their political or ideological views. Digital privacy advocates argue that PayPal's bans on businesses amount to censorship and pose a risk to some enterprises.
Big Tech's Shadow Ban: Stifling American Dreams in the Parallel Economy
Conservative entrepreneur Erik Finman also experienced PayPal freezing more than $1 million in Freedom Phone sales, forcibly refunding and holding large amounts for nearly a year.
Despite the challenges, the rise of alternative payment processors has been a game-changer for some businesses. However, the alleged suppression by tech giants remains a concern for companies defying the progressive consensus.
Big Tech's Shadow Ban: Stifling American Dreams in the Parallel Economy
Sey emphasized that consumers should actively seek out brands that align with their values, acknowledging the increased effort required to find them due to the restrictions imposed by big tech.
While some restrictions may stem from genuine concerns about fraud or misinformation, experts warn against selective censorship based on political beliefs. The erosion of free speech and fair competition in the digital economy could ultimately harm all businesses and consumers, regardless of their political affiliations.
Big Tech's Shadow Ban: Stifling American Dreams in the Parallel Economy
