Parler Acquired by Starboard, Temporarily Shut Down

Digital media company Starboard has acquired Parler, a social media platform that gained popularity among conservative users after the January 6 insurrection. Starboard plans to temporarily shut down Parler to launch a revamped version of the platform. Parler's previous acquisition agreement with Kanye West fell through. Starboard owns conservative-leaning platforms American Wire and BizPac Review and believes advancements in AI and new features will allow Parler to "begin servicing unsupported online communities." Parler is one of many free-speech alternatives to popular social media networks.