Google withdraws the application of Parler, the network where many Trump followers take refuge

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Alphabet Inc, owner of Google, has removed Parler's social networking service from its app store on Friday. The company alleges that there are publications within the social network that incite violence.

In order for us to distribute an app through Google Play we need the apps to implement strong moderation for outrageous content. In light of this current and urgent public safety threat, we will suspend the [Parler] application's listings in the Play Store until it fixes these problems, Google explained in a statement released by Reuters.

The announcement coincides with the definitive suspension of the personal Twitter account of US President Donald Trump, his main communication tool during his term, due to the risk that it could incite violence.

In fact, Parler gained much popularity among Trump's followers after the changes in the behavioral regulations implemented by Facebook and Twitter since the beginning of 2020 to confront false news, disinformation and hate speech, in the context of the pandemic of the coronavirus and the US elections.

But Google has not acted alone. Apple has also required Parler to present a "detailed moderation plan" within 24 hours (which ends this Saturday) to prevent platform users from using the service to coordinate another siege like the one last Wednesday at the Capitol building in U.S. "Content that threatens the well-being of others or that is intended to incite violence or other illegal acts has never been acceptable on the App Store," the company explains in a statement, adding that they have asked the company to remove from the platform all content that goes against Apple regulations, as well as any type of publication that refers to damage to people or attacks on government facilities.

Following the actions of the two tech giants, Parler may no longer be available for new downloads at major mobile phone app stores, although it could still be downloaded via mobile browsers.