Hi, John
Apple — the only major tech company that is run by a prominently out gay CEO, widely considered one of the friendliest1 employers for LGBTQ people, and marketing2 directly with a pride-focused theme year round — is also enabling censorship of LGTBQ+ apps on its App Store.
In new research3 that we conducted in partnership with China-based nonprofit GreatFire, we found that 1,377 LGBTQ+ apps faced access restrictions across 152 regional App Stores around the world. Moreover, at least 50 LGBTQ+ apps, including the majority of the most popular ones used for entertainment, social connectivity, and even mental health counseling, are currently unavailable in one or more App Stores.
It doesn’t have to be this way, but Apple has so far refused to do anything about it.
Tell Apple: Stop enabling censorship of LGBTQ+ apps!
Apple says it is complying with local anti-LGBTQ+ laws, implying that the removal or censorship of apps is just the “cost of doing business” in these countries. It also says that many developers decide to self-censor, or choose countries where they don’t want their apps listed. But in reality Apple has no obligation to put itself or its developers in this position: If Apple would let users install apps directly from developer websites, many LGBTQ+ users around the world would be able to access these apps, and Apple would no longer be complicit in censorship.
Sign our petition to demand that Apple stop enabling censorship of LGBTQ+ apps!
Apple's main reason for requiring app installs seems to be to protect their profits: If all apps must be installed via the App Store, all apps must pay a revenue to Apple. Apple is choosing to collaborate with governments to censor LGBTQ+ apps in large part to protect this lucrative revenue stream. So the result of Apple’s policies is that many LGBTQ+ people cannot access the crucial information and support they need.
SIGN THE PETITION
Tell Apple: Especially in countries where it is complying with local anti-LGBTQ+ laws, Apple should allow for direct download of apps from the developer’s websites rather than gatekeeping via its App Store for profit-seeking purposes. Take action now to demand answers.
In solidarity with queer community,
Utsav & the Team at ❤️Fight
Footnotes:
1 Human Rights Campaign: https://reports.hrc.org/corporate-equality-index-2021
2 Apple Newsroom: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/05/apple-watch-pride-edition-bands-celebrate-the-diverse-lgbtq-movement/
3 Fight for the Future:
https://www.fightforthefuture.org/news/2021-06-14-apple-is-enabling-censorship-of-lgbtq-apps-in-152/
Fight for the Future works to protect your rights in the digital age.
