Google has allowed Donald Trump’s Truth Social app in its Play Store for the users of Android devices. Google allowed it after getting a firm assurance that the app would meet the platform’s standards for moderating harmful content.
The app — which Donald Trump launched after his ouster from Twitter over the 2021 Capitol riot — was kept out of Google’s store over its lack of moderation tools.
Google said Truth Social has since been updated to comply with its policies barring objectionable posts, and has built in effective systems for reporting and removing unwanted content as well as blocking abusers.
“Apps will be distributed on Google Play if they comply with our developer guidelines,” a Google spokesperson told media today.
said in response to an AFP inquiry.
Developers can make Android apps available elsewhere on the internet, but the Play Store is the main source of content for users.
A Truth Social app for Android devices is available on the social network’s website and other venues that may not have Google’s content moderation rules, according to the Alphabet-owned tech titan.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with Google, and we’re glad they helped us to bring Truth Social to all Americans, regardless of what device they are using,” Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG) CEO said.
TMTG early this month announced today that a Truth Social app was freshly available for people in the United States who use Samsung smartphones, which are powered by customised Android software and have their own app shop.
Samsung’s share of the US smartphone market is about 30 per cent, according to industry analysis firm Counterpoint.
A version of Truth Social tailored for Apple mobile devices is available at the App Store, which also enforces rules about content moderation.
