Fringe Groups Splinter Online After Facebook and Twitter Bans

Tracking what may be planned in the coming days could become even more difficult as the groups take to lesser-known networks and apps that can’t be easily monitored.Supporters of President Trump at his rally on Wednesday in Washington.Credit…Kenny Holston for The New York TimesJan. 11, 2021On the Telegram messaging app, there were calls for armed marches on state capitols and the offices of tech companies like Google, Facebook and Twitter, starting on Jan. 16.On Gab, a social media network, fliers were posted about a rally in Washington, D.C. Attendees were advised to “come armed at your personal discretion.” The date: Jan. 17.On the 4chan messaging board, a call went up for a “Million Militia March.” The date: Jan. 20.In the days since rioters stormed Capitol Hill, fringe groups like armed militias, QAnon conspiracy theorists and far-right supporters of President Trump have vowed to continue their fight in hundreds of conversations on a range of internet platforms.Some of the organizers have moved to encrypted messaging apps like Telegram and Signal, which cannot be as easily monitored as social media platforms.Social media has played a crucial role in the support of Mr. Trump since he announced his intention to run for president…
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