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Apple has removed several apps that aid in protesting against governments. HKmap.live in China after a request from the Hong Kong Cybersecurity and Technology Crime Bureau.[1] Navalny in Russia after a threat to prosecute Apple's Russian employees.[2] ICEBlock and other similar apps in America after a request by the DOJ.[3]
HKmap.live
Background
HKmap.live was used by protesters to avoid cops while protesting.[4] The app compiles data from public sources to provide its users with information on teargas use and police locations. Some of this data can include Telegram chats and user provided data.[5][6]
Removal
Apple pulled down the app after the Hong Kong Cybersecurity and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) “verified” with Apple that it was used to “target and ambush police, threaten public safety, and criminals have used it to victimize residents”.[7] Although, no information on these claims have been provided to the public.
A case for a potential conflict of interest can be made with most of Apple’s assembly being in China.[8]
Navalny
Background
The Navalny app was run by Aleksei A. Navalny, a political opponent of the president Vladimir V. Putin. Russian protesters were going to use the app to coordinate votes against Vladimir V. Putin’s United Russia party.[9]
Removal
The app was removed from Apple’s app store in 2021 after Russia “threatened to prosecute local employees”. The app’s removal occurred just before voting started.[10]
ICEBlock
Background
ICEBlock was made to help users “avoid interactions with ICE” with features like being notified when an ICE officer has been spotted within 5 miles of the user.[11]
Removal
ICEBlock and other similar apps in America after request by the DOJ as directed by Pam Boondie. "We reached out to Apple today demanding they remove the ICEBlock app from their App Store — and Apple did so," Bondi is quoted as saying to Fox News Digital.[12] Information on what was said in the request is not publicly known. Further information is being requested by the Electronic Frontier Foundation.[13]
ICEBlock’s creator, Joshua Aaron, pointed out how “ICEBlock… functions like other mapping applications that use crowd sourcing for speed traps”.[14]