Apple has followed the lead of Facebook and Google after it removed Infowars from its podcasts and iTune apps. It is actually a conspiracy theorist organization managed by a person known as Alex Jones.
Jones has used Infowars, and by association, the platforms of these media companies, to show different conspiracy theories which point out that 9/11 was an inside job. It also gives alternative theories to the San Bernardino shootings. Therefore, Infowars selling of misleading information and fraud theories were very extreme. Due to this, some of the families of the deceased were harassed online and faced death threats. They were also forced to move various times. A group is charging Jones through a defamation suit.
Facebook and Google removed four Infowars videos when violated their policies. However, Apple’s action is very extensive. All of the five episodes of Infowars were withdrawn from Apple’s content directory, just leaving a show called ‘Real News with David Knight.’
Its ban was first spotted on Twitter. After this, Apple assured that it took action due to the use of hate speech which is against its current guidelines.
Apple’s spokesperson told media that the company has zero tolerance for hate speech. They have very clear guidelines mentioned that the developers and creators must follow to guarantee that they provide a safe environment for all of its users. Those podcasts are removed from their directory that violates their guidelines. They believe in representing different opinions without hurting anyone’s sentiments and spreading hatred.
The streaming services such as Stitcher and Spotify also removed Infowars due to the promotion of hate speech.
