Google removes an app developed by the Taliban from the Android store
The Taliban terrorists are working on new formulas to disseminate their principles and mission throughout the world, and they know that the technology and, more specifically, applications, is a good way to do it. That is why they have developed a mobile tool Android loaded with propaganda messages and videos But don't worry, Google has already taken care of removing it from the Google Play Store app store
This is the application Alemarah, which includes communications and videos from the jihadist group Islamic State and that had managed to sneak last Friday among the rest of the applications in Google Play Store , according to the Afghan news agency Jaama Press. In fact, last week this hand tool became known about the Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, who stated that it is part of the“advanced technological efforts” of the group “to reach a more global audience”, according to media outlets such as Bloomberg
Google It only took a few days to run into the controversy and withdraw the application, although it has not been spared from criticism. And there are those who do not understand how material of this type has been able to jump the barriers of the search engine company and reach the application store where anyone can could do with her.In its defense, Google states that its “policies are designed to provide a great experience for users and developers. That is why we remove applications from Google Play that violate these policies”, which includes the prohibition of publishing tools with hate or terrorist content. However, these policies have been applied after the fact, when the application Alemarahwas already available for users of the Android platform.
Despite this, the Taliban spokesperson is still confident of returning the app to the Google app store, stating in a statement that the tool has been withdrawn due to “technical difficulties” Therefore, they trust that soonthe problem will be resolved and you will be able to operate with your application again.
This app is not the only attempt by the Taliban group to reach more people around the world through technology. The group already has a pageweb page translated into five languages, as well as profiles on the social networks Facebook and Twitter With the application Alemarah, the group would also reach smartphones and tablets from the West to be able to propagate its mission and its slogans directly. Something that, at the moment, they will not be able to carry out through the official means. Not through Google Play Store, at least.
This is not the first time that Google pulls policies to get rid of tools from terrorist groups or that seek to give visibility to practices in against respect. It did so with the game Gaza Hero, in which the Gaza Strip could be bombed to kill both terrorists and civilians of all kinds.Apple is another of the companies that defends its paternalistic attitude when it comes to giving access to certain applications and games to its store, App Store However, Apple often prides itself on avoiding these situations by using stricter filters before to publish a sensitive application
