deplatform
verb
de·plat·form
(ˌ)dē-ˈplat-ˌfȯrm
deplatformed; deplatforming; deplatforms
: to remove and ban (a registered user) from a mass communication medium (such as a social networking or blogging website)
… had almost 1.5 million Facebook followers and a quarter million followers on Instagram before he was deplatformed for repeatedly spreading misinformation …—Peter Hoysted
broadly
: to prevent from having or providing a platform (see platform entry 1 sense 3) to communicate
While deplatforming speakers deprives them of the opportunities to speak and the attendees the opportunities to learn, concerns and protests over controversial speakers, be they informed or not, are totally expected and should even be encouraged. —Amy Lai
A platform built to challenge the oligopoly of its giant rivals was deplatformed by other giants … —Emily Bazelon
deplatforming
noun
plural deplatformings
This so-called deplatforming occurs when users are said to have violated a company's terms of service, notably regarding hate speech.
—Katherine Doyle
Deplatforming is a nonlegal strategy that involves pressuring companies to stop hosting or servicing certain individuals or forums, thus removing them from the Internet entirely or making them harder to find.
—Cindy Cohn
Cite this Entry
“Deplatform.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deplatform. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.
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