Apple suspends right-wing social media network Parler from App Store after use in Washington violence

The Parler logo is seen displayed on a smartphone. Source: Sipa USA Rafael Henrique

Apple has suspended Parler from the App Store, saying the social networking service popular in right-wing circles had not taken adequate measures to prevent the spread of posts inciting violence.

Apple had given the service – which promotes itself as a haven for free speech and is used by right-wing extremists and conspiracy theorists – 24 hours to submit a detailed moderation plan, pointing to participants using the service to coordinate Wednesday’s siege of the US Capitol.

“We have suspended Parler from the App Store until they resolve these issues,” the company said in a statement.

It follows a similar move from Google, which on Saturday announced it would remove Parler from its Play Store until the platform adds “robust” content moderation.

Right-wing social media users in the US have been flocking to Parler and similar services Telegram and Gab, citing the more aggressive policing of political comments on mainstream platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.

Twitter permanently suspended President Donald Trump’s account on Saturday, which was quickly mooted as a boon for Parler.

Parler chief executive John Matze wrote in a post that Apple’s move was an attempt to force the platform to “give up free speech [and] institute broad and invasive policies like Twitter and Facebook”.

“More details about our next plans [are] coming soon as we have many options,” he added.

 SBS News.