We asked Google for comments.
Although the option to download the app softens the blow, it will not exactly excite the community. Several governments (including the US, UK, France and Germany) use Element and the Matrix network with universities and businesses – it can be a big problem to lose easy access to the app.
The move comes as technology giants have become increasingly sensitive to the content in programs they present or offer. Apple and Google both slammed Parler following the U.S. Capitol riot, for example. However, using Google Element for content that was not on the application vendor’s servers would be problematic – it would effectively require the team to display an entire online platform, not just the portion it can moderate.