“THEY WILL DESTROY TELEGRAM” – NARRATIVES OF PLATFORM CENSORSHIP IN THE GERMAN-SPEAKING COVID-19 CONSPIRACY COMMUNITY ON TELEGRAM

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly amplified the dissemination of conspiracy theories. In response, social media platforms have intensified their efforts in content moderation, prompting conspiracy theorists to seek refuge on platforms like Telegram. Our study examines conspiracy theorists' perceptions of and misconceptions about content moderation practices on different social media platforms, as discussed in Telegram channels of the “Querdenken” community. Different narratives emerge in relation to the platforms discussed (Telegram, Facebook, and YouTube). Our findings provide insight into how conspiracy theorists construe disruptions in their communication channels, intertwining notions of platform power with their conspiratorial worldview.