Hodges said he believes Apple is a “steadfast advocate for users,” but the removal of ICEBlock casts doubt on that. According to him, the company bowed to pressure from the US government despite the lack of evidence of a “legal obligation to remove the application”.
Alex Horowitz, another former Apple employee, emphasized that Apple is a cultural institution that should support principles and freedoms. But “yielding to political pressure” empowers “those who seek to centralize power,” he wrote.
Both former executives are demanding an explanation from Tim Cook on the reasons for removing ICEBlock and whether the government has legal basis for such a request.
ICEBlock and other similar apps were removed following a complaint from U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi, who claimed the app “put ICE agents at risk.” Google also removed such applications, although it did not receive an official request from the Ministry of Justice.
Source: Ferra
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