Parler, the free speech social networking site that rivals Twitter, has faced some challenges from big tech this year. After January 6’s attack on Capitol Hill, big tech took punitive actions against Parler; these actions happened on the false basis that Parler allowed the incitement of the insurrection.
After several weeks offline, Parler managed to find new hosting services since Amazon pulled their own services. However, even with Parler being back online, the app was still banned from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
While Parler is still not on the Play Store, Apple is a different story. Breitbart News reports that Apple has agreed to reinstate the Parler app on their store.
Parler Back on the App Store: What You Should Know
A Wall Street Journal story indicates that Parler has taken steps to manage and pinpoint “hate speech” and speech that could incite violence.
On March 31, @SenMikeLee and I sent a letter demanding answers about why Apple removed Parler from the App Store.
🚨Today, we received a response: Parler will be reinstated on the App Store. Huge win for free speech. pic.twitter.com/FQBDSSSFGk
— Congressman Ken Buck (@RepKenBuck) April 19, 2021
Yesterday, Apple officially confirmed to Congress that Parler is approved for reinstatement on the App Store; according to the tech giant, the official return for Parler will happen after the conservative free speech site puts forth updates to the content moderation policies.
Republican senators are celebrating Parler’s forthcoming return to the App Store. GOP lawmaker Ken Buck declared Apple’s decision as a significant “win” for the free speech site in America.
Will the Reinstatement Last?
On Monday, many GOP leaders and conservatives praised the reinstatement decision. However, others were a bit more hesitant to immediately celebrate. Despite Parler’s impending return, some conservatives are worried that it will not last.
Leftists have already taken to social media to complain about Apple allowing Parler back on the App Store. Those with complaints are spewing misinformation about Parler being supposedly tied to white supremacy and other hate groups. However, at least for now, Parler is cleared to return to the App Store.
BREAKING: Following a letter demanding answers from @SenMikeLee and @RepKenBuck, Apple has announced Parler will be reinstated on the App Store!
A HUGE win in the fight against Big-Tech censorship 🇺🇸
— Tea Party Patriots (@TPPatriots) April 19, 2021
Thus far, though, Parler has not received reinstatement onto the Google Play Store. This means that Android users will not be able to download the Parler app if they don’t yet have it; however, individuals with Android devices can still access Parler’s website on their web browsers.
Are you surprised that Apple has agreed to let Parler back onto the App Store? Do you believe this reinstatement will last or will Parler eventually get removed from the App Store yet again? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
