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Alphabet Inc’s Google has approved former US President Donald Trump’s social media app Truth Social for distribution on the Google Play store, a company spokesman said on Wednesday.
Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), which operates Truth Social, is expected to make the app available on the Play Store soon, Google said.
“It’s been a pleasure working with Google and we’re excited to have them help us finally bring Truth Social to all Americans, no matter what device they use,” TMTG CEO Devin Nunes said in a statement.
Truth Social, which launched in the United States on the Apple App Store in February, was previously unavailable on the Play Store in August due to a lack of content moderation, according to a Google spokesperson. Google raised concerns with Truth Social about violations of Play Store policies that prohibit content such as physical threats and incitement to violence.
Without the Google and Apple stores, there is no easy way for most smartphone users to download Truth Social.
The Google Play Store is the main way Android phone users in the United States download apps. Android users can get apps through competing stores or download them directly from the web, though this often requires additional steps and security permissions. Truth Social was available through these means even though Google blocked it from the Play Store.
Android phones make up about 40% of the US smartphone market.
Truth Social reinstated Trump’s social media presence more than a year after he was banned from Twitter Inc, Facebook and Alphabet Inc’s YouTube following riots at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, after he was accused of sending messages inciting violence.
TMTG is committed to providing an “engaging, censorship-free experience” on Truth Social and reaching out to a base that feels its opinions on such pressing topics as the outcome of the 2020 presidential election have been erased from mainstream technology platforms.
News of Google’s approval was first reported by Axios.
