In wonderful news for far-right extremists and conspiracy theorists, Apple is letting Parler back onto the App Store.
The iPhone maker banned the controversial app in January after receiving complaints that the service had been used to coordinate the siege on the US Capitol.
The Silicon Valley giant also found posts on the social network that “encouraged violence, denigrated various ethnic groups, races, and religions, glorified Nazism, and called for violence against specific people.”
[Read: The biggest tech trends of 2021, according to 3 founders]
The <3 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
Apple CEO Tim Cook said in April that he hoped the company would return, after putting in the “moderation that’s required to be on the store.”
His wish has now been fulfilled. In a letter to US Senator Mike Lee and Congressman Ken Buck, Apple said Parler has submitted changes to the app that will allow it re-enter the App Store:
Parler has proposed updates to its app and the app’s content moderation practices, and the App Review Team has informed Parler as of April 14 2021 that its proposed updated app will be approved for reinstatement to the App Store. Apple anticipates that the updated Parler app will become available immediately upon Parler releasing it.
Buck described the decision as “a huge win for free speech.”
On March 31, @SenMikeLee and I sent a letter demanding answers about why Apple removed Parler from the App Store.
?Today, we received a response: Parler will be reinstated on the App Store. Huge win for free speech. pic.twitter.com/FQBDSSSFGk
— Congressman Ken Buck (@RepKenBuck) April 19, 2021
Folks with Android devices, however, will have to look elsewhere for their daily dose of bigotry — Parler still isn’t available on Google Play.
Buthey could soon find an appealing alternative. Donald Trump will supposedly launch his own social media platform in the next couple of months. I can hardly wait.
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.