Apple and Google remove apps that inform about ICE
9 hours ago
- #tech censorship
- #immigration
- #civil rights
- Apple and Google removed apps that crowdsource ICE sightings following pressure from the Trump administration.
- U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi claimed these apps endanger ICE officers, while developers argue it's a First Amendment right.
- ICEBlock, a popular app, was taken down after Apple cited violations of app store policies regarding officer safety.
- Critics, including app creator Joshua Aaron, accuse Apple of capitulating to an 'authoritarian regime.'
- Advocates argue these apps are vital for immigrant communities fearing ICE raids and family separations.
- Google also removed similar apps from its Android platform, citing policy violations.
- Civil rights attorney Alejandra Caraballo warned of the precedent set by allowing governments to dictate app availability.
- Bondi previously warned against apps tracking law enforcement, linking them to potential violence.
- Developers like Sherman Austin of StopICE.Net continue to challenge government actions, viewing them as threats to free speech.
- Meta was subpoenaed for data on StopICE.Net's Instagram account, though the subpoena is temporarily blocked.