When was Wikileaks App Removed from Apple Store and Google Play Store

If you are a fan of Wikileaks, you might have wondered why you can’t find an official app for it on your iPhone or Android device. The answer is that both Apple and Google have removed any app related to Wikileaks from their respective app stores, citing various reasons.

Apple was the first to ban a Wikileaks app from its App Store in December 2010, just three days after it was approved for sale. The app, which cost $1.99, offered access to Wikileaks’ leaked documents and Twitter updates. The app developer claimed that half of the proceeds would go to Wikileaks.

Apple said that it removed the app because it violated its developer guidelines, which state that app must comply with all local laws and may not put an individual or targeted group in harm’s way. Apple did not elaborate on how the app violated these rules. Still, it was widely speculated that Apple was under pressure from the US government, which had condemned Wikileaks for publishing classified diplomatic cables.

Google followed suit in January 2011 when it removed several Wikileaks apps from its Play Store (then called Android Market). Google did not give a specific reason for removing the apps but said that it had a policy of removing apps that violate its content policies or developer distribution agreement.

Some of the removed apps were similar to the one banned by Apple, while others were widgets that displayed information about Wikileaks’ releases or donations. One was called “Wikileaks Pro,” which claimed to be an official app endorsed by Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

The removal of these apps sparked controversy and criticism from some users and developers, who accused Apple and Google of censorship and hypocrisy. They argued that these companies infringed on free speech and information rights and were inconsistent in applying their policies.

For example, some pointed out that there were still many other apps on both platforms that provided access to controversial or illegal content, such as pornography, gambling, hacking tools, or hate speech. Others noted that there were also apps that supported causes or organizations that could be considered harmful by some governments or groups, such as Tibet independence, Falun Gong, or Hamas.

However, some also defended Apple and Google’s decisions, saying they were within their rights as private companies to decide what kind of content they want to host on their platforms. They also argued that these companies had legitimate concerns about legal liability or public relations backlash if they allowed Wikileaks apps on their stores.

The debate over whether Apple and Google should allow Wikileaks apps on their platforms reflects a larger issue about the role and responsibility of tech companies in regulating online content and speech. As more people rely on smartphones and tablets as their primary devices for accessing information and communication, these companies have more power and influence over what people can see and say online.

While some advocate for more transparency and accountability from these companies regarding their content policies and enforcement actions, others warn against imposing too much regulation or interference from governments or third parties. Ultimately, this is a complex and evolving issue that involves ethical, legal, and social questions.

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