Mark NadiloGlobal right-wing censorship. In a landscape where digital platforms have become the primary means of communication, the issue of free speech faces new challenges. Recently, right-leaning communication channels have experienced drastic drops in their audience and monetization, raising concerns about potential censorship practices. This article investigates these drops, analyzes possible causes, and explores the impact of these actions on free speech and online opinion diversity.
Unveiled censorship
In recent years, digital platforms like YouTube, Facebook (Meta), and TikTok have emerged as primary communication and information channels. However, growing concerns revolve around the impact of moderation policies and algorithms on free speech. Right-leaning channels have reported significant reductions in their reach and revenue, which may indicate a subtle form of censorship.
A 2023 study by Pew Research Center revealed that digital content moderation has intensified, with policies often criticized as disproportionate or inconsistent. This phenomenon is not restricted to a single country but has been observed globally, reflecting a pattern of control over political and ideological discourse.
Development and Analysis
The AuriVerde Brasil Case
The YouTube channel AuriVerde Brasil serves as an emblematic example. On April 25, 2024, the channel recorded 2,902,442 views. However, following the publication of controversial content about vaccination and the “Twitter Files” — documents detailing Brazilian judicial decisions on the social network — the channel faced a dramatic drop in audience. By May 7, views had fallen to 660,287, and by June 10, to just 116,941.
This reduction was not limited to audience figures; the channel’s revenue also plummeted by over 90%. According to the channel’s owner, this change had a devastating impact, compromising its economic viability and forcing staff reductions. Senator Eduardo Girão, who called for the public hearing, argues that these changes are not merely coincidental but indicate a possible pattern of censorship.
Perspectives and Opinions
To understand the impact of these practices, we spoke with various experts and representatives from digital platforms. Dr. Amanda Torres, a digital communication specialist, highlights that “the increasing centralization of content control can lead to a homogenization of opinions, limiting the diversity of public debate.” She points out that “algorithms are often opaque, and moderation policies are not always clear, which can lead to accusations of censorship.”
Additionally, Jorge Almeida, a lawyer specializing in digital rights, notes that “there is a delicate balance between moderating harmful content and ensuring free speech.” However, he emphasizes that “when moderation is perceived as biased, it can undermine trust in platforms and harm the plurality of opinions.”
Personal and Community Impact
Digital censorship affects not only content creators but also audiences seeking diverse opinions. Mariana Silva, a follower of AuriVerde Brasil, expresses her concern: “I used to follow this channel because it offered a different perspective on political issues. Now, I feel like I am being deprived of information that could help me form a more complete opinion.”
Stories like Mariana’s illustrate the broader impact of changes on digital platforms. The lack of diversity in available opinions can create an informational bubble, where users are exposed only to views that reinforce their existing beliefs, reducing space for healthy debate and the exchange of ideas.
List of Issues with Views and Audience
PragerU (United States)
- Number of Subscribers: Approximately 5 million on YouTube.
- Issue: Reduction in monetization and visibility due to changes in YouTube’s policies.
The Daily Wire (United States)
- Number of Subscribers: Approximately 3 million on YouTube.
- Issue: Impact observed on engagement and monetization in some videos.
GB News (United Kingdom)
- Average Audience: Approximately 100,000 daily views.
- Issue: Difficulties in maintaining digital audience.
Junge Freiheit (Germany)
- Number of Readers: Approximately 10,000 subscribers.
- Issue: Impact on digital circulation due to restrictions and moderation.
Valeurs Actuelles (France)
- Number of Readers: Approximately 50,000 weekly copies.
- Issue: Reported reduction in digital audience.
AuriVerde Brasil (Brazil)
- Number of Subscribers: Approximately 500,000 on YouTube.
- Issue: Reduction in views from 2,902,442 to 116,941 between April and June 2024, with a decline of over 90% in revenue.
Sky News Australia (Australia)
- Number of Views: Approximately 200,000 daily views.
- Issue: Observed decline in digital audience.
The Post Millennial (Canada)
- Number of Readers: Approximately 300,000 monthly visitors.
- Issue: Decline in visibility due to changes in moderation policies.
OANN (One America News Network) (United States)
- Number of Subscribers: Approximately 1 million on YouTube.
- Issue: Difficulties in maintaining audience due to content policies and demonetization.
Newsmax (United States)
- Number of Subscribers: Approximately 800,000 on YouTube.
- Issue: Reduction in visibility and monetization due to moderation policies.
RT (Russia Today) (International)
- Number of Subscribers: Approximately 10 million on YouTube.
- Issue: Impact of restrictions and taxes in various countries affecting audience and monetization.
Tucker Carlson (United States)
- Number of Subscribers: Approximately 3 million on YouTube before leaving Fox News.
- Issue: Observed decline following changes in programming and channels.
Breitbart News (United States)
- Number of Readers: Approximately 10 million monthly visitors.
- Issue: Experienced decline in digital audience due to changes in moderation policies and content restrictions.
The Rebel Media (Canada)
- Number of Subscribers: Approximately 500,000 on YouTube.
- Issue: Reduction in views and monetization due to restrictions and policy changes.
The Spectator (United Kingdom)
- Number of Readers: Approximately 50,000 subscribers.
- Issue: Decline in digital audience and financial difficulties related to moderation policies.
ZDF (Germany)
- Number of Views: Approximately 200,000 daily views.
- Issue: Reported decline in digital audience across several segments due to new policies and moderation practices.
Global censorship risk
The issue of digital censorship and content moderation is not unique to Brazil. In countries like the United States and the European Union, there have also been heated debates about the transparency of moderation policies and the impact of platform actions on free speech.
In the US, ongoing investigations into the influence of major social media platforms reveal a similar pattern of behavior. According to a 2023 report by the Digital Rights Foundation, there has been an increase in reports of censorship and content restrictions that do not follow clear or fair standards.
In the European Union, the Digital Services Act seeks to establish clearer rules for content moderation, but the real impact on opinion diversity is still being assessed. These global comparisons help understand that digital censorship is a global challenge, not just a local issue.
Final Analysis and Implications
The investigation reveals a concerning scenario of potential digital censorship that may have significant implications for free speech. The drop in audience and revenue for right-leaning channels like AuriVerde Brasil suggests that moderation practices and algorithms may be negatively influencing the diversity of opinions on the internet. Transparency and consistency in moderation policies are crucial for ensuring a fair and plural digital environment.
Moving forward, it is essential that digital platforms implement more transparent and consistent practices, and that there be a critical review of moderation policies to ensure they do not infringe on fundamental rights. The public hearing convened by Senator Eduardo Girão is an important step in discussing how to balance content moderation with the protection of free speech.
