Censorship deplatforming refers to the removal or restriction of an individual's or group's ability to communicate or share information on online platforms, often due to controversial or politically sensitive viewpoints. This topic appears in Irving's diaries and emails as a recurring concern, particularly in relation to his own work and perspectives on historical events. It highlights the challenges of disseminating information and engaging in public discourse when facing restrictions imposed by online platforms and media outlets.
The concept of censorship deplatforming is relevant to Irving’s experiences as his views on historical topics, particularly the Holocaust, have been deemed controversial and have led to restrictions on his ability to share his perspectives online. This has involved removal of content, bans from platforms, and limitations on reach. The excerpts suggest a concern about the suppression of alternative viewpoints and the potential for manipulation of information.
* 2015: A screenplay excerpt (denial_screenplay_2015) depicts Deborah being "deplatformed" in a metaphorical sense, being knocked to the floor and having her image displayed with abusive commentary, suggesting a public shaming and silencing. * 2021: Irving references a disturbing video circulating on Twitter, highlighting the potential for graphic content and the lack of warning given before exposure (diary_2021). * 2023: Emails (emails_2023_2024) discuss the migration of neo-Nazi groups to private messaging platforms to circumvent censorship, indicating a shift in strategies to avoid deplatforming (emails_2023_2024). 2023: An email (emails_2023_2024) references concerns about the accuracy of information from The Times of Israel*, suggesting a distrust of mainstream media and a potential reliance on alternative sources. * 2023: Emails (emails_2023_2024) express concern about the suppression of viewpoints, referencing a cartoon from 1897 depicting antisemitic tropes and linking it to contemporary concerns about censorship (emails_2023_2024). * 2023: Emails (emails_2023_2024) discuss the destruction in Gaza and the potential for biased reporting, highlighting the challenges of accessing accurate information in conflict zones (emails_2023_2024).
The concern about censorship deplatforming appears to have intensified over time. Initially, it was expressed through metaphorical representations (screenplay, 2015) and reactions to disturbing online content (diary, 2021). Later, the focus shifted to the practical challenges of circumventing censorship and the potential for manipulation of information (emails, 2023-2024).
* Holocaust denial * Media bias * Online platforms * Freedom of speech * Propaganda