Event Platforms UPDATED :

Event Platforms: Censorship on Online Platforms: A Personal Experience with Eventbrite and Meetup

Online platforms like Eventbrite and Meetup have become essential tools for organizing events and building communities. However, my recent experiences with these platforms have left me questioning their commitment to free speech and open dialogue.

Event Platforms: The Problem with Eventbrite

Eventbrite’s censorship policies have come under scrutiny after the platform blocked my account without explanation. I had attempted to book an event with a conservative group, featuring the Shadow Home Office Minister as a speaker. Despite not violating any of Eventbrite’s terms, my account was blocked without warning or reason.

Meetup’s Interference on the event platform

Similarly, Meetup has attempted to interfere with my groups, marginalizing my role as the organizer and undermining the communities I’ve built. Meetup’s actions seem targeted and suspiciously timed, raising concerns about the platform’s impartiality.

A Larger Issue: Bias in Online Platforms?

These experiences raise serious concerns about whether online platforms like Eventbrite and Meetup are truly impartial or are allowing political bias to influence their decisions. [1] Research has shown that online censorship can have a chilling effect on free speech, and it’s essential that platforms remain neutral.

What Can Be Done for event Platforms ?

I have reached out to both Eventbrite and Meetup for answers, but so far, I have received no response. The lack of transparency and accountability is deeply concerning. If platforms like these are going to take such drastic actions against their users, they owe us explanations—especially when it comes to political or community-based events.

Conclusion

While Eventbrite and Meetup have been valuable platforms for organizing events and building communities, my recent experiences raise critical questions about their impartiality and transparency. These platforms must remain neutral, especially when it comes to politically sensitive events. Users must hold them accountable to ensure they don’t infringe upon our right to organize and participate in such gatherings.

References:

[1] “Online Censorship and the Chilling Effect on Free Speech” by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)

 

Tolga CAKIR