Apple has given Parler–the social media platform that has become the favored site for conservative, extremists and insurrectionists–that it must implement a comprehensive moderation policy to root out threats of violence and hate speech within the next 24 hours or it will be expelled from its App store, Buzzfeed News reports.
“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,” Apple wrote to Parler. “The app also appears to continue to be used to plan and facilitate yet further illegal and dangerous activities.”
Parler notoriously does not moderate any of its comments, citing its belief that such moderation is the equivalent of government censorship. Because of that policy, it has become a haven for hate-filled right-wingers who support Donald Trump and other conservatives, including conspiracy theorists, white nationalists, white supremacists and other bigots.
Many Republican politicians have abandoned Facebook and Twitter to start Parler accounts to allow them to spew unchecked, false claims about election fraud.