SNAP - Tech roundup: Free speech WhatsApp exodus and #TwitterPurge

The weekend began with Facebook (FB), Twitter (TWTR) and Snapchat (SNAP) permanently banning and silencing President Trump, but the actions quickly spread across the communication and tech space. The top app stores from Apple (AAPL) and Google ([[GOOG]], [[GOOGL]]), as well as Amazon's (AMZN) web hosting service, kicked out Parler, a "free speech" platform that has grown in popularity among conservatives and to which many banned users were expected to emigrate.Why are the tech companies taking action now? The firms cited "risks of violence" and "repeated and severe violations" of their policies following the storming of Capitol Hill, which led to five deaths including one police officer. They might also be foreseeing scrutiny risks. If there was a follow-up to the violence, the social media companies could be held responsible by the incoming Biden administration.Bigger picture: While the measures taken are legal - private firms aren't subject to the First

For further details see:

Tech roundup: Free speech, WhatsApp exodus and #TwitterPurge