In September, Twitter declared a prohibition on posts related to QAnon. By early October, Facebook and Instagram had expelled groups and accounts endorsing the QAnon conspiracy theory, with YouTube swiftly doing the same.
Following these actions, and shortly after Facebook’s decision, Gab.com’s CEO, Andrew Torba, extended an invitation to QAnon adherents to join the Alt-Tech community.
Alt-Tech, short for Alternative Technology, encompasses a range of internet platforms and service providers that aim to offer alternatives to the mainstream tech giants. These platforms have become increasingly popular among right-wing users due to their permissive content moderation policies.
Torba announced on Gab.com’s blog that the platform was openly inviting QAnon supporters with the message “Welcomes QAnon Across Its Platforms #WWG1WGA,” showing solidarity with the conspiracy theory’s followers. The hashtag WWG1WGA, which stands for ‘Where We Go One, We Go All,’ is among the most recognized symbols of the QAnon movement.
Joan Donovan of the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School has described the networks that facilitate the spread of this conspiracy theory as the conduits for misinformation.
QAnon is rooted in a series of cryptic messages posted on image boards like 4chan and 8chan by an anonymous user named ‘Q,’ who claims to be an insider within the Trump administration. These messages, known as ‘Drops,’ are often vague and require interpretation, a process the QAnon community refers to as ‘baking’ the ‘crumbs.’
This conspiracy theory involves a wide array of classical conspiratorial elements, including the belief in a malevolent cabal accused of heinous acts against children and controlling significant global institutions, often repeating age-old antisemitic myths.
QAnon followers view themselves as part of a movement to assist Donald Trump in dismantling this cabal, a goal they believe will be achieved during an event they refer to as ‘the Storm.’ The conspiracy theory has gained traction internationally, notably during protests against COVID-19 restrictions in Germany and the UK.
Since the crackdown on QAnon content on mainstream platforms, Gab.com has seen a surge in QAnon activity. For instance, one QAnon group became the 11th largest on the site.
The migration of QAnon followers to Gab.com signifies not just a search for new platforms but also a strategic adaptation to continue spreading their message. This shift demonstrates the persistent challenge of moderating extremist content online.
Gab.com, which positions itself as a haven for free speech, particularly attracts users with right-wing and conspiratorial leanings, as outlined in its 2018 annual report. Unlike encrypted messaging services like Telegram, Gab.com fosters a more interconnected community, which can be particularly appealing for spreading ideological messages.
Since its inception in 2017, Gab.com has been a gathering place for various far-right groups, including those supportive of the “#MAGA” movement. The platform’s stance against what it perceives as censorship by mainstream social media companies resonates with the QAnon community.
The affiliation between Gab.com and the QAnon movement, coupled with the platform’s minimal moderation policies, underscores a shared narrative of resisting perceived injustices. This relationship is indicative of the broader appeal of Alt-Tech platforms among right-wing social media users, seeking spaces that align with their ideological views.