Apple Removes Iceblock And Similar Tracking Apps From The App Store

Apple has removed ICEBlock and different apps from its App Store that let users to anonymously study sightings of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, pursuing unit from nan Trump administration.

The app, which went viral earlier this year, allowed users to lawfully stock accusation astir wherever they’ve seen ICE agents wrong a 5-mile radius of their location, and besides stock specifications of nan clothing agents are wearing.

According to various media reports, Apple said it removed nan apps aft it was contacted by “law enforcement” astir “safety risks” associated pinch ICEBlock and akin apps.

Fox Business first reported nan removal connected Thursday, quoting U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi arsenic saying Justice Department officials contacted Apple to region apps for illustration ICEBlock astatine her direction.

It’s worthy noting that ICEBlock does not cod aliases shop immoderate personification data, which TechCrunch has confirmed by analyzing nan app’s web postulation arsenic portion of a test.

The takedown comes successful nan aftermath of mounting tensions betwixt nan Trump management and those who reason nan government’s hardline migration agenda, particularly aft a shooting astatine an ICE detention halfway successful Dallas past week resulted successful 2 detainees being killed and 1 successful hospital. CNBC cited an FBI charismatic claiming that nan gunman had searched apps search nan beingness of ICE agents.

The U.S. authorities argues that apps for illustration ICEBlock endanger national workers by revealing their locations and likenesses. Officials person many times threatened ineligible action against those utilizing ICEBlock, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem successful July said officials were trying to spot if CNN could beryllium prosecuted for reporting astir nan app.

U.S. Attorney General Bondi successful July besides warned ICEBlock’s developer, Joshua Aaron, that nan Justice Department was “looking astatine him.”

Apple and nan Justice Department did not instantly return a petition for comment. ICEBlock’s developers could not beryllium reached for comment.