The app for a favorite social network of President Trump supporters will no longer be sold on Google Play — and Apple is also threatening to pull it, according to reports. Parler, which bills itself as “an unbiased social media focused on real user experiences and engagement,” can’t be sold on Google Play until the platform develops some moderation policies, according to Axios Tech Reporter Ashley Gold. Apple, meanwhile, is giving the app 24 hours to introduce policies before pulling the plug, BuzzFeedNews reports. “We have received numerous complaints regarding objectionable content in your Parler service, accusations that the Parler app was used to plan, coordinate, and facilitate the illegal activities in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021 that led (among other things) to loss of life, numerous injuries, and the destruction of property,” Apple wrote to Parler, according to the news site. “The app also appears to continue to be used to plan and facilitate yet further illegal and dangerous activities.”
CEO John Matze late Friday said the ban was “a horrible way to handle this.” “Guess they arnt [sic] really concerned about the ‘violence’ that is against our rules anyway,” Matze posted on Parler. “If they actually cared, they would try to help. Not dump the app and send a break up public statement. What a horrible way to handle this.” He said Google didn’t send its full complaint to Parler. Apple and Google were both seeking updates to Parler’s moderation policies. Google banned it on Friday, while Apple was waiting 24 hours for updates. Google and Apple’s moves against Parler come after Twitter and Facebook suspended the president’s accounts indefinitely.