Following the controversy that led to Apple removing apps like ICEBlock from the App Store a few months ago, US lawmakers want to know what steps the company is taking to prevent similar tools from returning. Here are the details.
The ICEBlock controversy continues
Last October, Apple pulled the ICEBlock app from the App Store, following pressure from the DOJ.
At the time ICEBlock was the most famous app that allowed users to register sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, and it became the center of a controversy that quickly involved the White House, as well as US Attorney General Pam Bondi.
She claimed that these apps “put ICE agents at risk just for doing their jobs,” and told ICEBlock’s developer, Joshua Aaron, to “better watch out,” as her department was “looking at him.”
Despite its popularity, ICEBlock was just one of many apps that served the same purpose. Likewise, when Apple removed ICEBlock, it also removed many other apps that did the same thing, citing its “objectionable content” App Store Review rule as the reason.
Flash forward to today, and Reuters reported the following:
The House Committee on Homeland Security has asked Google and Apple to detail what steps they are taking to remove mobile applications that allow users to track federal immigration officers.
In letters sent on Friday to Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Apple head Tim Cook, committee leaders singled out ICEBlock, an app previously used to monitor U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, saying apps hosted on their app stores risk “jeopardizing the safety of DHS personnel.” Lawmakers requested a briefing by December 12.
Reuters notes that while ICEBlock was never available on Google’s Play Store, they did have similar apps, which also ended up getting pulled.
It is not immediately clear whether apps similar to ICEBlock have resurfaced on the App Store or Google Play, or whether lawmakers are simply seeking an update on the companies’ ongoing efforts to screen for them.
Regardless, now the companies have until December 12 to brief them on the matter.
Reuters requested statements from Apple and Google, but the companies didn’t respond. Will update this post if Apple addresses the issue.
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