Tech giant Google gave a green signal to the former United States President Donald Trump’s social media app Truth Social to be included in the Google Play Store, a company’s spokesperson said.
The approval was given after being assured of the app adhering to the platform’s standards for controlling harmful content. The spokesperson also said that Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), the company behind the app, will make it public in the Play Store soon.
Truth Social has been previously launched in the US in February in the Apple App Store for iPhone users. The app remained absent in the Play Store as it could not sufficiently moderate content, according to Google. It had even shown some concerns to Truth Social regarding violations of its Play Store policies wherein, physical threats and incitement to violence are strictly prohibited.
Google said that it allowed Truth Social to be downloaded through its Play Store as the app has been updated to adhere to its policies prohibiting objectionable posts and has designed efficient systems that can report and clean out undesirable content and also block violators.
Donald Trump launched Truth Social after Twitter, Facebook and Alphabet Inc barred him from the 2021 Capitol riot. His presence on social media was enhanced with the app. Trump was accused of publicizing violent messages.
TMTG has promised to provide an “engaging and censorship-free experience” on Truth Social in an effort to win over a fan following that believes its opinions on contentious issues like the results of the 2020 presidential election have been erased from popular internet platforms.
“Apps may be distributed on Google Play provided they comply with our developer guidelines, including the requirement to effectively moderate user-generated content and remove objectionable posts such as those that incite violence,” a Google spokesperson said about the matter.
Meanwhile, TMTG chief executive released a statement that read, “It’s been a pleasure to work with Google, and we’re glad they helped us to finally bring Truth Social to all Americans, regardless of what device they use.”
Although developers can make Android apps available elsewhere online, the Play Store serves as the majority of consumers’ content sources.
