Apple to Reinstate Parler on App Store

Parler’s Reinstatement to the Apple App Store

Apple has announced it will allow Parler to return to the App Store, reversing a months-long ban. This decision was communicated in a letter sent to Senator Mike Lee and Representative Ken Buck, and subsequently shared publicly by Congressman Buck on Twitter. Confirmation of the letter’s authenticity was also provided to TechCrunch directly by Apple.

Initial Removal and Lawmaker Inquiry

The reinstatement follows a request for information from the lawmakers, who initially contacted Apple on March 31, 2021. They sought clarification regarding the removal of the app, which is popular among conservative users. Apple’s response details the policy violations that led to the ban, but also highlights extensive discussions held with Parler’s team since the app’s removal.

Apple states that proposed updates to Parler’s app, content policies, and moderation procedures now meet its standards for approval. The app can be reinstated immediately upon submitting an update.

Context of the Ban: The Capitol Riot

Parler was removed from multiple tech platforms, including Apple, following the events of the Capitol riot. Investigations revealed the app was utilized by supporters of Donald Trump and individuals associated with far-right ideologies to coordinate plans and incite violence.

The insurrection resulted in five fatalities, injuries to over 140 law enforcement officers, and hundreds of arrests.

Actions by Other Tech Companies

Alongside Apple, both Google and Amazon also suspended Parler from their respective platforms in the wake of the Capitol riot.

Parler’s Initial Response and Leadership Changes

Prior to its removal, Apple had notified Parler that it would be delisted unless a plan for improved content moderation was submitted. However, then-CEO John Matze publicly declared he would not comply with Apple’s demands. Consequently, the app was banned for failing to meet the required standards.

Following the ban, Matze was terminated by Parler’s board, which is controlled by Republican Party donor Rebekah Mercer.

Previous Reinstatement Attempts

Parler has actively sought to regain access to the App Store, but earlier attempts proved unsuccessful. A Bloomberg report from last month indicated that new guidelines submitted by Parler in February were deemed insufficient due to ongoing violations of App Store rules.

The February letter from Apple to Parler’s chief policy officer explicitly stated: “There is no place for hateful, racist, discriminatory content on the App Store.”

Current Status and Apple’s Statement

According to Apple’s recently released letter, the situation has evolved. The company informed Parler on April 14, 2021, that its proposed moderation practices now qualify it for reinstatement.

The letter, signed by Timothy Powderly, Apple’s senior director of Government Affairs in the Americas, also clarifies that Apple did not collaborate with Google or Amazon regarding the initial decision to remove Parler. This addresses claims of a coordinated effort to suppress conservative voices.

Specific Changes and Launch Timeline

While Apple did not disclose the precise changes Parler agreed to implement, previous concerns included the allowance of user profile pictures featuring swastikas and white nationalist imagery. Additionally, the app had permitted usernames and posts containing misogynistic, homophobic, and racist content.

Apple has indicated that Parler’s approval will be immediate upon submission of an updated version. The timing of the app’s relaunch, however, remains at Parler’s discretion.