Google removes PragerU app from Play Store for 'hate speech'

Update: The Prager app was later restored.

On Friday, PragerU’s application was removed from Google’s Play Store for a "Violation of Hate Speech Policy." The app store is one of the post popular for Android device users.

PragerU received a notification stating that the app had been suspended and removed from the app store due to the hate speech policy violation. "Your app contains content that doesn’t comply with the Hate Speech policy," the notification stated, adding that the app contained "content or speech asserting that a protected group is inhuman, inferior or worthy of being hated."

Google referenced PragerU’s recently released documentary Dear Infidels: a Warning to America, which "features first-hand accounts from individuals who escaped the oppressive grip of radical Islamic rule," a press release stated.

"We don’t allow apps that promote violence, or incite hatred against individuals or groups based on race or ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, nationality, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify, or any other characteristic that is associated with systemic discrimination or marginalization," Google wrote.

PragerU has since launched a petition to urge Google to allow the app back on the platform. "Google is using Soviet-style tactics and attempting to silence us for simply spreading the truth. According to Google, sharing the stories of a former Palestinian refugee, an Arab Muslim born in Israel, and brave US Navy SEALs who witnessed the horrors of Muslim extremism constitutes 'hate speech.' This is a blatant attempt to silence truth and censor speech" the nonprofit wrote.

PragerU previously sued Google and YouTube for restricting over 200 videos, including videos on the Ten Commandments, which the non-profit says continues to be restricted by YouTube today.

The non-profit alleged that YouTube tagged dozens of videos on topics like gun rights, abortion, and terrorism for its "Restricted Mode," which blocks third parties from advertising on the videos. Ultimately, a federal appeals court unanimously sided with Google in 2020, according to Reuters. Circuit Judge Margaret McKeown said YouTube was a private forum, and hosting videos did not make it a "state actor" for purposes of the First Amendment. In response.

PragerU asked followers for donations in response to the censorship from Google.