Trump’s Truth Social gets approved for Google Play Store

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Google has finally approved the distribution of Truth Social in the Google Play Store, the main app store for Android users.
• The social media app, launched by former President Donald Trump, was previously prohibited in the Play Store due to insufficient content moderation.
• Truth Social, which renewed Trump’s social media presence, pledges an “engaging and censorship-free experience.”

Truth Social, the social media app launched by former President Donald Trump, has finally been approved for distribution in the Google Play Store.

Google expects Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), the operators of Truth Social, to make the app available in the Play Store soon.

Devin Nunes, Chief Executive Officer of TMTG, stated, “It’s been a pleasure to work with Google, and we’re glad they helped us to finally bring Truth Social to all Americans, regardless of what device they use.”

In February, Truth Social launched in the Apple App Store but not in the Google Play Store. A spokesperson from Google said in August that the app was not approved due to insufficient content moderation. Google cited violations of its Play Store policies, which prohibit content like incitement to violence and physical threats.

Most smartphone users download social media apps via Google and App stores, with Google’s Play Store being the main way Android phone users download apps. About 40% of the U.S. smartphone market are Android phones.

Without Google’s approval to distribute the app in the Play Store, Android users had to download it directly from a website or through competing stores. This often requires extra steps and security permissions.

Truth Social was launched over a year after Trump was banned from Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube following the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. The social media platforms marked his posts as messages that incite violence.

Trump’s new app, which renewed his social media presence, pledges an “engaging and censorship-free experience.”

Truth Social caters to the population who believe that certain opinions, such as those concerning COVID and the 2020 presidential election results, are being censored from mainstream platforms.

Source: Reuters