Google Bans Talking About Its App Store After Capitol Riot

* Google says it requires Play Store apps to implement “solid moderation for blatant content”

* The decision does not affect the availability of Parler on the web or other Android app stores: Google

(More to come.)

apple Inc.

AAPL 0.86%

has threatened to ban Parler, a conservative-focused social media network focused on non-moderation of incitement to violence and illegal activity, according to a statement in the Wall Street Journal by John Matze , chief executive of Parler.

“We have received numerous complaints about nasty 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,” the notice begins. The tech giant said that in order for Parler to remain available in the App Store, it had to provide detailed information about its content moderation plans and “what you’re going to do to improve moderation and filter the content of your service for this type.” of nasty content in the future “”.

Apple set a 24-hour deadline for Parler’s compliance.

Launched in 2018, Parler has unveiled itself as a free, free-to-speech, free content recommendation alternative for larger social networks like Facebook and Twitter..

It has exploded in popularity ahead of the 2020 U.S. presidential election and beyond

While Parler prohibits spam, threats of violence, and other illegal activities, its rules do not prohibit hate speech or misinformation.

Matze said Parler believes its existing rules against incitement to violence meet Apple standards and that Parler is confident that “we can preserve our values ​​and make Apple happy quickly.”

Still, said Mr. Matze, who was nervous “because the text of his messaging was quite confrontational.”

In recent years, Apple has shown its willingness in the United States to get content from far-right creators considered controversial, by launching podcasts of Infowars in 2018 and Gab AI Inc., a social networking app, in 2017. removing five podcasts from Infowars, Apple said at the time, did not comply with guidelines designed to create a safe environment for users.

Write to Jeff Horwitz to [email protected] and Tim Higgins to [email protected]