Apple Faces Criticism For Removing LGBTQ+ Applications From App Store In 152 Countries

A study revealed that Apple's decisions in these countries "enables government censorship of LGBTQ+ content". 

Apple

San Francisco: Apple has recently come under fire for allegedly removing LGBTQ+ applications from the App Store in 152 countries around the world.

A US-based advocacy group Fight for the Future in a joint study with China-based GreatFire stated that Apple's decisions in these countries "enables government censorship of LGBTQ+ content". 

Citing a report of 9To5Mac, news agency IANS reported that the new findings reveal Apple has been enabling government censorship of LGBTQ+ content, most directly 1,377 documented cases of app access restrictions, in 152 App Stores around the world. 

The report further states that at least 50 LGBTQ+ apps, including the majority of the most popular ones, are currently unavailable in one or more App Stores. 

It is to be noted that most of the App Stores where the most number of apps are blocked coincide with countries which are known least for human rights for the LGBTQ+ community. 

Underscoring Apple's role in enabling this censorship is cases such as Malaysia, Niger or South Korea.

According to the report, App Store in China has removed 27 LGBTQ+-related applications. It remains uncertain whether the move came at the request of the Chinese government or preemptively. 

Saudi Arabia is the App Store with the most LGBTQ+-related applications unavailable, missing 28 apps.