Amid recent developments, the Weverse platform owned by HYBE has transformed into a battleground for the freedom of speech, causing backlash from fans and resulting in allegations of censorship.
The issue at hand centers on Weverse’s guidelines, which have been criticized for singling out discussions concerning politics. This has been perceived by many as an effort to suppress important discussions.
Recently, Weverse, a beloved platform among fans for its ability to facilitate direct interaction with idols and foster a strong sense of community, has experienced a rise in conversations surrounding the ongoing genocide in Palestine. Fans have utilized the platform to disseminate information and bring attention to this pressing global issue, using their voices to bring awareness.
Although the mood shifted drastically when fans noticed a guidelines notice from BTS’s Weverse addressing discussions about politics.
MY GODDDDD LET’S GOOOO SO MANY WEVERSE POSTS!!!!! keep them coming boycottmys!!! we can do this!!! 💜💜💜💜🥹🥹🥹🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽#SpeakYourselfBTS @BTS_twt #HybeDivestFromZionism pic.twitter.com/uqLowLAfNW
— flower⁷ (@tulipstfu) May 30, 2024
The notice specifically stated that any posts promoting bias or unfair treatment towards individuals based on their political beliefs would not be permitted, which was interpreted by many as a covert attempt to suppress pro-Palestinian perspectives.
oh they got mad! pic.twitter.com/eWzy6dh3hY
— ryan⁷ 🍉 (@dyke4yoongi) May 31, 2024
The notice stated, “Posts and comments that discriminate against or promote prejudice against any political stance, religion, gender, disability, age, race, region, occupation, etc., are against our guidelines.”
The announcement was met with immediate criticism from fans who believed their ability to freely express themselves was being limited. One fan shared their disappointment, stating, “now weverse is censoring us… that’s just wonderful. It’s good to see where their priorities lie,”further showcasing the increasing discontent within the fan community.
This particular event is not an isolated occurrence, but rather a part of a larger trend of dissatisfaction among fans towards HYBE’s management of delicate topics. Fans have been actively voicing their concerns and protesting against the company for several months, advocating for transparency and a more inclusive conversation on significant matters.
they’re actually monitoring really quickly rn on the fan letters too-*i was trying to like the letteri saw a few just for them to get deleted in a few mins.. https://t.co/q8QhMdqbVH pic.twitter.com/agsxSVJo0p
— Pia⁷ ♥︎ Apobangpo 💜 ´ˎ˗ (@jtj0T7) May 31, 2024
So fans are not allowed to make these comments on Weverse but Scooter can?!! 🤔 how come these rules don’t apply to him? https://t.co/bvWg6w5TqK
— 💜ᴮᴱSalitah Q⁷⟬⟭☻T⁷⟭⟬💜 (@Sq517) May 31, 2024
oh they got mad! pic.twitter.com/eWzy6dh3hY
— ryan⁷ 🍉 (@dyke4yoongi) May 31, 2024
Despite the outcry, HYBE has not yet released a formal statement addressing the concerns raised by fans. The controversy remains a hot topic, as fans remain determined to express their voices and resist any attempts of censorship on platforms intended for open expression and interaction.
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