Apple and Google have blocked downloading of applications that allowed the tracking of ICE's American immigration service. The decision was made after the pressure of the Trump administration, which argued that such applications expose officers to danger. The creators of the application and activists say, however, that it is about limiting freedom of speech and civil rights.
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As the Associated Press explains, Apple has withdrawn applications that allow users to mean observations of officers of the American immigration and customs office (ICE).
The technological giant announced that he had removed Iceblock from his App Store after law enforcement agencies informed him about “security threats” related to this and “similar applications”.
Another application called ICE Immigration Alerts has been removed from the App Store and Google Play. The third application – Coqui – was also removed from Google Play.
In a statement, the US prosecutor General Pam Bondi said that she “demanded” Iceblock removal, claiming that it was “designed to expose ICE agents at risk.” The US Prosecutor General argued that applications were used to attack ICE officers.
Apple and Google block ICE applications. Decision after Trump's pressure
Many applications were released this year in response to President Trump's trial with illegal immigration and an increase in the number of ICE raids. As the Associated Press explains, critics – such as the creator of Iceblock – accuse the government of abusing their rights and “introducing terror” to American streets.
A free application that allows users to report cases to notice ICE officers has been downloaded over 1 million times in the United States.
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Sherman Austin, founder of the Stopice.net platform, whose words are cited by the Associated Press, believes that applications such as Iceblock are a “lifebuoy” for communities living in fear of ICE raids.
Apple and Google decisions caused a storm in the USA. On the one hand, the Trump administration emphasizes the security issues of officers, on the other – activists indicate a threat to freedom of speech and rights arising from the first amendment.
