Ebook Hoopla

Public libraries in the United States and other countries have been using the ebook subscription platform Hoopla to provide their patrons with access to a vast collection of digital content, including audiobooks, movies, music, magazines, and ebooks [2]. However, recent reports have exposed the platform’s dark side, as it has been found to offer a range of conspiracy theories, disinformation, and hate speech [1]. Among the problematic content available on Hoopla are books that deny the Holocaust, spread COVID-19 misinformation, promote LGBTQ+ conversion therapy, and propagate anti-vaccination propaganda [1]. This article explores the implications of Hoopla’s content policies and their impact on public education and discourse.

The Problematic Content on Hoopla

Hoopla’s collection of ebooks includes titles that promote dangerous and false ideas about the Holocaust, COVID-19, and other topics. For instance, one book available on the platform is “Debating The Holocaust,” which denies the historical fact of the Nazi genocide of six million Jews during World War II [1]. Another book, “COVID-19: The Greatest Cover-Up in History,” spreads conspiracy theories about the origins and spread of the coronavirus pandemic [3]. Such books not only distort reality but also contribute to the spread of hatred and mistrust among different communities.

Moreover, Hoopla’s collection includes books that promote harmful practices such as LGBTQ+ conversion therapy, which has been widely discredited by medical professionals and condemned by human rights organizations [1]. By providing access to such content, Hoopla is legitimizing and normalizing discrimination against marginalized groups and undermining efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.

Another concerning aspect of Hoopla’s content policies is its promotion of anti-vaccination propaganda. At a time when vaccination is critical to combating the COVID-19 pandemic, Hoopla’s collection includes books that discourage people from getting vaccinated and spread misinformation about the safety and efficacy of vaccines [1]. Such content not only endangers public health but also undermines the efforts of healthcare professionals and public health authorities to promote vaccination and control the spread of the virus.

The Implications of Hoopla’s Content Policies

The availability of conspiracy theories, disinformation, and hate speech on Hoopla raises serious concerns about the platform’s role in public education and discourse. Public libraries are trusted institutions that play a vital role in promoting literacy, learning, and civic engagement. By providing access to disinformation and hate speech, Hoopla is undermining the credibility and integrity of public libraries and eroding public trust in information sources.

Moreover, the availability of harmful content on Hoopla can have real-world consequences, such as promoting discrimination, stigmatization, and violence against marginalized groups. For instance, Holocaust denial books can fuel anti-Semitic sentiment and hate crimes, while anti-LGBTQ+ books can contribute to the marginalization and exclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals [1]. Similarly, anti-vaccination propaganda can lead to vaccine hesitancy and lower vaccination rates, which can result in preventable deaths and illnesses.

The Need for Responsible Content Policies

The case of Hoopla highlights the need for responsible content policies that prioritize accuracy, diversity, and inclusion. Public libraries have a responsibility to provide their patrons with access to reliable and trustworthy information that reflects a range of perspectives and experiences. While it is important to respect freedom of expression and intellectual diversity, it is equally important to ensure that harmful and false ideas are not given a platform that can legitimize or amplify them.

Therefore, Hoopla and other ebook platforms must review their content policies and remove any books that promote disinformation, hate speech, or harmful practices. Public libraries should also be vigilant in their selection of digital content and ensure that they are providing their patrons with accurate and reliable information. By doing so, public libraries can continue to serve as trusted institutions that promote education, enlightenment, and social progress.

Conclusion

Hoopla’s collection of ebooks has been found to include books that deny the Holocaust, spread COVID-19 misinformation, promote LGBTQ+ conversion therapy, and propagate anti-vaccination propaganda. Such content undermines public education and discourse and can have real-world consequences for marginalized groups. Public libraries and ebook platforms must adopt responsible content policies that prioritize accuracy, diversity, and inclusion and remove any harmful or false ideas from their collections.