Apple has informed the social media network Parler that it has 24 hours to remove the platform from inappropriate content, or else remove the face from the App Store. The news was first reported by Input Mag, which obtained a copy of the email Apple sent to Parler.
Apple wrote in the email that they do not agree with Parler’s practical approach to moderation, emphasizing that they will not distribute programs that include the types of content found on Parler. Apple says that Parler is responsible for all user-generated content, according to the App Store Review Guidelines.
“We want to make it clear that Parler is in fact responsible for all user-generated content found on your service, and for ensuring that this content meets the App Store requirements for the safety and protection of our users,” the company said. . “We do not distribute dangerous or harmful programs.”
Apple specifically mentions the ‘illegal activities’ that took place on January 6 in Washington DC. Apple writes that Parler was used to “plan, coordinate and facilitate” what happened.
‘We have received numerous complaints about offensive content in your Parler service, allegations that the Parler app was used to plan, coordinate and facilitate the illegal activities in Washington DC on January 6, 2021, which led to loss of life, among other things. , numerous injuries and the destruction of property. It appears that the app is still being used to plan and facilitate further illegal and dangerous activities. ”
Apple has shared links to multiple examples of Parler messages inciting e-mail violence not limited but including:
Apple is the ultimate
If the content quoted by Apple and all similar content is not removed within the next 24 hours, the Parler app will be kicked out of the App Store. Parler, who publicly takes a practical approach to moderation, must also prove to Apple that he will use systems and practices to prevent this type of content from appearing on the social network in the future.
‘Please remove all offensive content from your program and submit your revised binary for review. Such content contains any content similar to the examples attached to this post, as well as any content that refers to damage to people or attacks on government facilities now or at any future date. In addition, you should respond to this message with detailed information about how you plan to moderate and filter this content from your app, and what you will do to moderate and filter your service for this type of offensive content in the future. improve. ”
Apple specifically mentions guideline 1.2 of its App Store Review Guidelines, which states that apps with user-generated content should also take precautions to manage objectionable content:
Guideline 1.2 – Security – User Generated Content
Your app enables the rendering of content by users, but does not have sufficient precautions to effectively manage the offensive content contained in your application.
Finally, Apple also quoted Parler CEO John Matze as saying that he did not “feel responsible for this, nor the platform,” referring to the riots at the Capitol in Washington DC this week .
Your CEO recently said, “But I do not feel responsible for this, nor the platform, as we are a neutral city square that only obeys the law.” We want to make it clear that Parler is in fact responsible for all user-generated content that is in your service, and to ensure that this content meets the App Store requirements for the safety and protection of our users. We do not distribute dangerous and harmful content programs.
Dan Bongino, co-owner of Parler, responds to Apple’s threat to ban Parler from the App Store mailed on the platform that it is “clearly an idealistic decision, not a principled decision.” He appealed to Parler users to ‘spread the word about this devastating war on civil liberties’.
Since Parler has publicly stated that he will forever take a practical approach to moderation, it remains to be seen whether this will satisfy Apple’s pressure. Since Apple sent its email this morning, we need to know the answer as soon as the 24-hour clock expires Saturday morning.
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