It would be weird if it were the only time he’s called out the Google and Apple monopolies and their control over apps, but it’s been a running theme for him (and his legal battles). Two examples from a quick lookup:
His tweet where he calls out Apple for removing privacy apps at the request of Russia, and for allegedly threatening to remove Twitter in 2024.
His tweet on Apple removing the Russian social media app VK following the US sanctions related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Personally, I see no issue with platforms removing content they deem to be problematic, and I’m sure Sweeney agrees, given that the Epic store prohibits pornography for example. However, as he’s said repeatedly, Apple in particular is unique in that it removing an app means there’s practically no way for an iPhone user to access it, since there’s no sideloading.
If it were an app dedicated to CSAM, I don’t think anyone would take issue, but his argument is that removing the app would deplatform all of its 500M users, most of whom are probably not pedos. I’m critical of people being on X, but it’s also undeniable that despite the far-right leaning and CEO, there are still leftists and people belonging to minority groups who are on it, for whatever reason. Are they pedophile and Nazi enablers too? I’m inclined to say yes, but I don’t know how many people would agree.
It would be weird if it were the only time he’s called out the Google and Apple monopolies and their control over apps, but it’s been a running theme for him (and his legal battles). Two examples from a quick lookup:
Personally, I see no issue with platforms removing content they deem to be problematic, and I’m sure Sweeney agrees, given that the Epic store prohibits pornography for example. However, as he’s said repeatedly, Apple in particular is unique in that it removing an app means there’s practically no way for an iPhone user to access it, since there’s no sideloading.
If it were an app dedicated to CSAM, I don’t think anyone would take issue, but his argument is that removing the app would deplatform all of its 500M users, most of whom are probably not pedos. I’m critical of people being on X, but it’s also undeniable that despite the far-right leaning and CEO, there are still leftists and people belonging to minority groups who are on it, for whatever reason. Are they pedophile and Nazi enablers too? I’m inclined to say yes, but I don’t know how many people would agree.
Edit: Format and details.