Google has expressed concern about violations of its policy to ban content such as threats or incitement to violence.
Alphabet Inc’s Google Approved Former US President Donald Trump Truth Social social media app for distribution in the Google Play Store, a company spokesperson said.
Trump Media & Technology Corporation (TMTG), which runs Truth Social, is expected to make the app available on the Play Store soon, Google said Wednesday.
TMTG did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Truth Social, which launched in the US in the Apple App Store in February, was previously unavailable in the Play Store due to insufficient content moderation, according to a Google spokesperson in August. Google has expressed concern with the company. Truth Social about violating its Play Store policy, which prohibits content such as physical threats and incitement to violence.
Without the Google and Apple stores, there’s no easy way for most smartphone users to download Truth Social.
Google’s Play Store is the primary way Android phone users in the US download apps. Android users can get the app through competing stores or download it directly from a website, although it often requires additional steps and security permissions. Truth Social was available through those means even after Google blocked it from the Play Store.
Android phones make up about 40% of the smartphone market in the US.
Truth Social has restored Trump’s presence on social media more than a year later he was banned from Twitter Inc, Facebook and Alphabet Inc’s YouTube later January 6, 2021 riots in the US Congressafter he allegedly posted messages inciting violence.
TMTG has pledged to provide a “compelling and uncensored experience” on Truth Social, garnering a base that feels its stance around hot topics like the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. has been removed from mainstream technology platforms.
News of Google’s approval was first reported by Axios.
