Google has said that its app store has long required users who use user-generated content to apply moderation policies to prevent the spread of violent rhetoric.
“We are aware of the ongoing placement in the Parler app that seeks to incite ongoing violence in the US,” a Google spokesman said. ‘We realize that there may be reasonable content policy debates and that it may be difficult for apps to remove all infringing content immediately, but for us to distribute an app through Google Play, we need appropriate moderation for implement serious content. In light of this ongoing and urgent threat to public safety, we are suspending the list of the app from the Play Store until it addresses these issues. ‘
The decision is a major blow to supporters of President Donald Trump, many of whom have found a home on the Parler platform. But that does not completely deny them access to the app. Because Android allows third-party app stores, Parler can still be housed in non-Google-operated app stores.
Parler is among a group of relatively new platforms that have identified themselves as alternatives to freedom of speech in hopes of condemning conservatives, who believe larger platforms censor their views.
The suspension of Google Play occurred the same evening that Twitter banned president @ RealDonaldTrump account from his social network. The move effectively deprives Trump of his preferred social network, which he used during his presidency to bypass the traditional media and direct his message to his tens of millions of followers.
CNN Business’ Kaya Yurieff and Sara O’Brien contributed to this story.