Major controversy is engulfing Silicon Valley as Apple and Google face accusations of hypocrisy regarding their app store policies. The criticism centers on their continued hosting of X (formerly Twitter), despite the platform recently introducing a feature that generates deepfake pornography.
Tech critics and safety advocates are pointing out a blatant double standard: Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store have strict guidelines prohibiting sexually explicit content and non-consensual imagery. However, despite these rules—used in the past to ban other apps—both Tim Cook and Sundar Pichai have refused to remove X from their stores.
The decision raises serious questions about corporate accountability. By allowing a platform that monetizes and amplifies non-consensual deepfakes to remain available, critics argue that Apple and Google are effectively sanctioning a violation of their own Terms of Service. This inaction suggests a reluctance to police a powerful social giant, prioritizing ecosystem dominance over user safety.
The pressure is mounting. If the tech leaders do not enforce their guidelines universally, they risk facing regulatory backlash and irreparable damage to their brand reputations.
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