Google on Friday removed Parler, the "alt-right," no-censorship microblogging site popular with Trump supporters, from the Google Play Store. Apple will likely do the same on Apple Store on Saturday.
Google said it expelled Parler because of untrammeled posts inciting violence and more violence against opponents of President Donald Trump made by Trump supporters and right-wing extremists. It said posts on Parler were encouraging further violence after the U.S. Capitol insurrection on January 6.
Parler users called on and were urged to bring weapons to President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration on January 20. There were also numerous references to murders, killings, and firing squads for Trump foes.
Google also said its rules require social media apps to have content moderation policies that remove posts inciting violence. Parler has failed to do so.
The twin blows to the Twitter alternative that grew enormously after the November 3 election comes in the aftermath of the Trump insurrection, in which five people died while Trump supporters vandalized the U.S. Capitol Building.
"We're aware of continued posting in the Parler app that seeks to incite ongoing violence in the U.S.," said Apple in a statement.
"We recognize that there can be a reasonable debate about content policies and that it can be difficult for apps to immediately remove all violative content, but for us to distribute an app through Google Play, we do require that apps implement robust moderation for egregious content."
"In light of this ongoing and urgent public safety threat, we are suspending the app's listings from the Play Store until it addresses these issues."
The same fate awaits Parler on Apple Store. On Friday, Apple gave Parler an ultimatum to implement a full moderation plan within the next 24 hours or be expelled from the App store. Parler defiantly said it wouldn't comply.
Apple told Parler's executives about complaints the service was used to plan and coordinate the storming of the Capitol by Trump's supporters.
"We have received numerous complaints regarding objectionable content in your Parler service, accusations that the Parler app was used to plan, coordinate, and facilitate the illegal activities in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021, that led (among other things) to loss of life, numerous injuries, and the destruction of property," wrote Apple to Parler.
"The app also appears to continue to be used to plan and facilitate yet further illegal and dangerous activities."
Apple ordered Parler to submit an update and a "requested moderation improvement plan within 24 hours of the date of the message," whose deadline expires Saturday morning.
Apple said if it did not receive an update from the company by then, the app would be removed from the App store.
Similar in concept and format to Twitter, the Parler Free Speech Social Network claims to offer free expression without violence and no censorship. It calls itself an unbiased social media focused on real user experiences and engagement.
Parler is an alternative to Twitter and is popular among people banned from mainstream social networks or who oppose their moderation policies.
