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Andrew Torba is an entrepreneur, free speech advocate, and the founder of Gab, a social media platform focused on unrestricted online expression. Born and raised in rural Pennsylvania, Torba has positioned himself as a leading figure in the fight against Big Tech censorship.
His journey from a Silicon Valley startup founder to a vocal advocate for digital independence has been marked by significant controversy and success. Torba’s work aims to create an alternative ecosystem where free speech and faith-based communities can thrive without interference from major tech conglomerates.
1. Andrew Torba Created social media platform Gab to Champion Free Speech
Andrew Torba founded Gab in 2016 as a free speech alternative to mainstream social media. Frustrated with increasing censorship on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, Torba envisioned Gab as a space where people could express themselves without fear of suppression. Unlike many Silicon Valley-backed ventures, Gab was built with the intent of decentralizing control over speech and ensuring that all viewpoints could be shared without interference from large tech conglomerates.
Gab has grown significantly since its inception, now boasting millions of users worldwide. While it has faced criticism from some media outlets, its mission has remained consistent—providing an open forum for discussion. Torba has stated that his commitment to free speech extends beyond just political discourse; he sees Gab as a necessary tool for cultural change, allowing individuals to share faith-based perspectives, independent journalism, and uncensored debates.
2. Torba Advocates for Digital Independence
Understanding the power of infrastructure control in the digital age, Torba has led efforts to create a parallel internet ecosystem. In response to financial deplatforming and server shutdowns, he launched Gab Pay, an alternative payment processor, and established independent hosting solutions. His mission is to ensure that free speech cannot be stifled by corporate gatekeepers who may disagree with the views expressed on his platform.
Torba’s work in digital independence extends beyond Gab. He has encouraged businesses, churches, and independent creators to break away from reliance on Silicon Valley services, offering alternative tools and services that align with his free speech philosophy. Gab has also launched its own email services and marketplace, ensuring that users can interact, buy, and sell without fear of censorship. These initiatives are part of Torba’s broader vision of building an independent digital economy free from corporate restrictions.
3. Andrew Torba Was Removed From Silicon Valley for His Views
Before launching Gab, Torba was a rising star in Silicon Valley. As a participant in the Y Combinator startup accelerator, he built a reputation as an innovative entrepreneur. However, his outspoken conservative beliefs and advocacy for open discourse led to his removal from the Y Combinator alumni network in 2016. Torba has since embraced his role as an outsider, using the experience to further his mission of building technology free from ideological constraints.
Silicon Valley, known for its progressive leanings, often promotes a culture that aligns with left-leaning political ideologies. Torba’s departure from Y Combinator was seen by many as a clear signal that conservative entrepreneurs face unique challenges in the tech industry. Since then, he has positioned himself as a leader for those who feel alienated by mainstream tech companies. His experiences with censorship and professional exclusion have further solidified his belief in the necessity of independent platforms that do not cater to the political biases of major corporations.
4. Gab Has Faced Significant Challenges and Still Thrives
Due to its commitment to free speech, Gab has been targeted by major corporations and financial institutions. Following high-profile incidents, the platform was banned by payment processors, app stores, and web hosting services. Rather than backing down, Torba rebuilt Gab’s infrastructure from the ground up, ensuring it could operate independently. His determination has allowed the platform to continue growing despite these obstacles.
Gab has been removed from the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store multiple times, making it difficult for users to access the platform through conventional mobile devices. However, Torba has worked around these challenges by providing direct downloads and optimizing the site for mobile browsers. Financial de-platforming has also been a persistent issue, as major banking institutions and credit card processors have refused to work with Gab. In response, Torba developed Gab Pay, an independent payment system allowing users to conduct transactions without interference from mainstream financial gatekeepers.
Despite these hurdles, Gab continues to expand, with new features and a growing user base that appreciates the platform’s dedication to free speech. Torba’s ability to adapt and overcome these challenges has demonstrated his resilience and commitment to his vision.
5. Torba Champions Faith and Family in Business
A devout Christian, Torba has made faith a central part of his business philosophy. He frequently speaks about the importance of family values and integrating Christian principles into entrepreneurship. His book, Christian Nationalism: A Biblical Guide For Taking Dominion And Discipling Nations, outlines his vision for fostering a society based on faith-driven leadership. Torba’s focus on faith has resonated with many supporters who see him as a leader advocating for moral and ethical business practices.
Torba has emphasized that Gab is more than just a social media platform—it is part of a broader movement to restore traditional values in Western society. His advocacy for homeschooling, family-run businesses, and self-sufficient communities reflects his belief that cultural renewal must start at the individual and family levels.
Through Gab, Torba has worked to create a space where Christians can discuss their beliefs freely without fear of being de-platformed or censored. He has built partnerships with churches, faith-based organizations, and Christian content creators, helping them establish digital presences outside of mainstream tech platforms. His commitment to integrating faith into all aspects of life has garnered both admiration and criticism, but he remains steadfast in his beliefs.
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