Canva Updates Venue Policy After Controversial Event

Canva is tightening its venue policies after hosting a pro-Palestinian event featuring speakers with known extremist sympathies. While the company claims it wasn't involved in planning the gathering, the backlash highlights growing tensions around corporate responsibility in politically sensitive matters.

The Sydney-based design platform, known for distancing itself from controversial political content, found itself under scrutiny after an event titled Beyond the Ceasefire: Solidarity, Safety, and Justice took place at its office. The gathering featured speakers who have previously expressed support for militant actions, raising concerns among critics.

Canva initially removed pro-Palestinian templates from its design platform after the October 7 attacks in Israel in an effort to maintain neutrality. However, the recent event—held at its premises—seemingly contradicts the company's earlier stance. A spokesperson clarified that the event space operates separately from Canva's core business and that the application didn’t disclose any political focus.

Following the controversy, Canva announced an update to its venue guidelines, barring political and religious events moving forward. While the company aims to prevent similar incidents, it remains to be seen how this move will impact its public image and workplace culture.

Source: The Australian, Canva, Daily Wire