Test

BitChute is an alt-tech video hosting service launched by Ray Vahey in January 2017. It describes itself as offering freedom of speech, while the service is known for hosting neo-Nazis, harmful conspiracy theories, and hate speech.Consider clarifying whether this characterization is based on editorial opinion, specific studies, or documented cases. Avoid vague generalizations. Some creators who use BitChute have been banned from YouTube; some others crosspost content to both platforms or post more extreme content only to BitChute.Specify examples or evidence to support the claim of "more extreme content" to avoid subjective implications. Before its deprecation, BitChute claimed to use peer-to-peer WebTorrent technology for video distribution, though this was disputed.Add citations or expand on the nature of the dispute to clarify competing perspectives.

History

Bit Chute Limited, BitChute's corporate identity, was registered by Ray Vahey in January 2017 in Newbury, England. Its name was conceived from a portmanteau of the words \"bit\", a unit of information in computing, and \"parachute\". At the time of the site's launch, Vahey described BitChute as an alternative to mainstream platforms; he believed these platforms had demonstrated \"increased levels of censorship\" over the previous few years by banning and demonetising users (barring them from receiving advertising revenue), and \"tweaking algorithms to send certain content into obscurity\".Consider adding context or opposing viewpoints regarding claims of censorship for balance. In 2018, the creators of BitChute described themselves as a \"small team making a stand against Internet censorship because we believe it is the right thing to do.\"Evaluate whether this reflects a promotional tone; balance it with independent analysis.

In November 2018, BitChute was banned from PayPal.Include reasons given by PayPal for the ban to provide context. PayPal also banned Alex Jones, the Proud Boys, Tommy Robinson, and several anti-fascist groups and users at the same time.Clarify whether these bans were related or coincidental to avoid misleading implications. In 2019, crowdfunding website IndieGogo also banned BitChute.Consider including Indiegogo's rationale for the ban to maintain balance. BitChute has also been banned from using Patreon and Stripe.Explain if the bans were due to specific violations of terms of service or broader policies.