UPDATED on January 8 at 5:42 pm Google blocked its store’s messaging and social networking app Parler.
The company cited the “urgent threat to public security” by restricting the application, presented as an alternative to freedom of expression.
January 8, 4:17 pm Parler is down.
If you’ve noticed that your social media feeds have become a little less marginal in recent months, it’s because many conspiracy posters have migrated to Parler, a right-wing network that refuses to censor posts under the guise of free speech, resulting in a torrent of death threats and offensive images.
Now, after the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol this week by supporters of President Donald Trump, Apple has taken an aggressive stance towards limiting the potentially dangerous and unbridled hate speech in the app.
RELATED: I tried Parler, the social media app where hate speech thrives
BuzzFeed News obtained an email that Apple sent to Parler executives this morning accusing the company of facilitating activities that took place at Capitol. The email says:
“We received numerous complaints about objectionable content on your Parler service, allegations that the Parler app was used to plan, coordinate and facilitate illegal activities in Washington DC on January 6, 2021 that led (among other things) to loss of life, numerous injuries and property destruction, “Apple wrote to Parler.” The app also appears to continue to be used to plan and facilitate even more illegal and dangerous activities. “
The message continues to require Parler to require a moderation plan within 24 hours or be removed from the App Store.
Google was pressured to follow suit, with the activist group Sleeping Giant post screenshots of the app that showed ongoing threats of violence, including those against Vice President Mike Pence. Google has yet to make a statement in response.