Apple joined Google Play on Saturday in suspending Parler, the “free speech” social media platform, from its app store for failing to adequately moderate and remove dangerous and harmful content.
“Parler has not upheld its commitment to moderate or remove harmful or dangerous content encouraging violence and illegal activity, and is not in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines,” the Apple Review Board said in a letter sent to Parler.
The board noted that they have “continued to find direct threats of violence and calls to incite lawless action in violation of Guideline 1.1—Safety—Objectionable Content.”
Apple said that Parler’s moderation plan “does not meet the ongoing requirements in Guideline 1.2—Safety—User Generated content” because a temporary task force is an insufficient response “given the widespread proliferation of harmful content.”
“For these reasons, your app will be removed from the App Store until we receive an update that is compliant with the App Store Review Guidelines and you have demonstrated your ability to effectively moderate and filter the dangerous and harmful content on your service,” the letter said.
Here is the letter Apple sent Parler: “Parler has not upheld its commitment to moderate and remove harmful or dangerous content encouraging violence and illegal activity, and is not in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines.” pic.twitter.com/qZOeDAdyUQ
— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) January 10, 2021
Apple’s notice came one day after Google suspended Parler from the Google Play store for similar reasons, following the Wednesday attack by a pro-Trump mob on the U.S. Capitol.
Newsweek reached out to Parler for comment.
This illustration picture shows social media application logo from Parler displayed on a smartphone in Arlington, Virginia on July 2, 2020.Olivier Douliery/Getty