Apple is releasing Parler in the App Store

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The decision paves the way for Parler, an app popular with conservatives, including some far-right members, to re-download on Apple devices.

In the letter – addressed to Senator Mike Lee and Rep. Ken Buck and obtained by CNN – it was explained that since the app was removed from the Apple platform in January for policy violations, Parler has “suggested updates to the app and content moderation practices.”

On April 14, Apple’s app review team told Parler that the proposed changes were enough, the letter continued. Now Parler just has to flip the switch.

“Apple expects the updated Parler app to be available immediately when Parler releases it,” said Apple’s letter.

Apple declined to comment. Parler did not immediately respond to the request for comment.

Parler, an alternative to Facebook FB and Twitter TWTR which sees itself as a haven for free speech, was removed from major technology platforms in early January following the January 6 Capitol riots.
Parler was kicked off at Apple’s and Google’s app stores, as well as Amazon Web Services, which had hosted the company’s product.

All three tech giants cited the presence of violent speeches about Parler as a reason for removal; Parler later said that other vendors had also cut ties with the company, effectively shutting down the service and making it inaccessible on the Internet. For several weeks, visitors to Parler’s website were greeted by a static page rather than a functioning social networking app.

The app came back online on February 15, but not before Parler’s CEO was terminated by the board. It took another two months for Apple to give its approval to restore Parler to its app store.
Meanwhile, Parler wages a legal battle against Amazon AMZN, claiming in part that Big Tech companies are colluding to limit Parler’s access to the market. In lawsuits and elsewhere, Parler has said it developed an artificial intelligence-based content moderation system when the crackdown from the larger platforms took place.

The tech companies have dismissed Parler’s allegations of anti-competitive behavior. In Monday’s letter, Apple said its decision to remove Parler from its app store was “an independent decision” and that Apple “did not coordinate or otherwise consult with Google or Amazon regarding that decision.”

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