Google removes Parler from app store, could also be removed from Apple's if it doesn't implement a moderation plan
Google removed the social media app Parler Friday evening because it posed a "public safety threat."
The social network, launched in 2018, became popular among conservatives and an unmoderated home to more extreme views in 2020 when both Facebook and Twitter tightened up their content moderation and labeling.
"In order to protect user safety on Google Play, our longstanding policies require that apps displaying user-generated content have moderation policies and enforcement that removes egregious content like posts that incite violence," said a Google spokesperson in a statement to USA TODAY.
Following the events of Wednesday, President Donald Trump's Facebook and Instagram accounts were blocked from posting "indefinitely." Twitter took a stronger step by permanently suspending the 45th president from its platform on Friday night.
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"We're aware of continued posting in the Parler app that seeks to incite ongoing violence in the US. We recognize that there can be reasonable debate about content policies and that it can be difficult for apps to immediately remove all violative content, but for us to distribute an app through Google Play, we do require that apps implement robust moderation for egregious content," the statement continued.
Apple also threatened to remove Parler from its App Store after for failing to moderate incitements to violence and illegal activity, according to a notice obtained by multiple media sources.
Apple reportedly ordered Parler to implement a moderation plan and wipe "objectionable content" from its platform within the next 24 hours.
Parler CEO John Matze said in a post on Thursday it was against the moves by Facebook and Twitter.
"It’s clear that Facebook and Twitter believe the ends justify the means. They believe the American people are weak. They insult our founding fathers by suggesting Zuckerburg and Dorsey know what is best for us. Parler is not an arbiter of truth. We believe in you," Matze said.
Parler did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment, and Apple declined to comment.
This wouldn't be the first time companies go head to head over discrepancies in practices. In 2018, PayPal banned the social network Gab from its platform after a gunman killed 11 people in a Pittsburgh synagogue. Gab, which predates Parler, has not enjoyed the same amount of users as the newer platform after being removed from the Google and Apple app stores.
Other platforms like Snapchat also blocked Trump from posting, and Reddit suspended the popular subreddit "/donaldtrump."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Google removes Parler from app store, on thin ice with Apple
