There is no intersection between the right to freedom of speech and the ability to provoke violence. That is the stance held by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO Tim Cook following an outcry on the delisting of conservative-leaning social media app Parler from the Apple store.
Cook Defense
According to Cook, Parler was only delisted upon an in-depth analysis of incitement content in the app that encourages violence. While we don't control what's on the internet, but we've never viewed that our platform should be a simple replication of the internet," added Mr. Cook.
Cook has also confirmed that Parler has not been kicked entirely out of the Apple Store. The suspension will hold until the app gets its moderation together. It is still unclear whether Parler will make any adjustments as it has risen the ranks to become a firm favorite for conservatives and Trump leaning supporters for lack of censorship, as is the case in other apps.
Twitter Inc. (NASDAQ:TWTR) is one of the apps that have felt the full brunt of its recent action to ban high profile personalities and accounts with close ties to President Donald Trump. The company has seen its market value tank by more than $5 billion following its permanent ban on President Trump.
Parler Woes
Parler was one of the biggest beneficiaries of Trump supporters exiting Twitter in favor of apps that allow them to air their views without moderation. However, with the lack of moderation, the app has paid a hefty price that now threatens its existence.
Amazon has already severed ties with the social media app, refusing to offer web hosting services through its Amazon Web Services. Google has also suspended the app from its app stores as a crackdown of apps and accounts that helped fuel the insurrection on Capitol Hill continues to gather steam.
Parler CEO has already hit back, suing Amazon over what he terms as a violation of U.S antitrust law for removing Parler from its servers.