Apple Removes ICE Tracking App After Government Pressure

Apple has removed ICEBlock, an app used for tracking US immigration agents, following pressure from authorities. Despite concerns over safety risks, the app had over a million users. The removal sparked debate about free speech and the availability of similar tracking apps.

In a controversial move, Apple has pulled ICEBlock, an app that leveraged crowdsourcing to track US immigration officers, from its App Store. This action comes in response to pressure from US authorities concerned about safety risks.

The app, developed to anonymously report and monitor Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities, boasted over one million users before its removal. Despite this setback, users who have already downloaded ICEBlock can reportedly still use it.

The removal has sparked discussions about free speech, especially as similar apps like Waze and Google Maps, which provide law enforcement location alerts, remain operational. This move aligns with increased immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, intensifying the debate over such tracking technologies.

(With inputs from agencies.)