The tech giant pulls ICE official monitoring apps
The company has withdrawn applications that permitted users to report encounters of personnel from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Apple declared it had removed the tracking application from its App Store after law enforcement alerted them about concerning "security concerns" connected with this software and "similar apps".
Per a announcement provided to press agencies, the Attorney General the official had "requested" the app's removal claiming it was "developed to place enforcement personnel at danger".
The programmer argued that such allegations were "patently false" and alleged the company of "capitulating to an dictatorial administration".
Context of the Debated Application
This software is among several applications released this year in response to increased immigration crackdown raids across the US.
Critics - like the developer of this application - allege the authorities of abusing its authority and "spreading anxiety" to local neighborhoods.
The free application functions by showing the movements of immigration officers. It has been installed in excess of a 1 million times in the America.
Risk Factors
Nevertheless, authorities contended it was being used to single out immigration agents, with the FBI saying that the person who attacked an enforcement office in the city in September - killing two detainees - had utilized related software to follow the activities of agents and their vehicles.
In a statement, the technology firm said: "We developed the digital storefront to be a safe and trusted platform to discover applications.
"Following intelligence we've gathered from police about the safety risks linked to this application, we have eliminated it and related programs from the application marketplace."
Creator's Reaction
Nevertheless its developer, the programmer, disputed it posed a threat.
"The software is similar to crowd sourcing speed traps, which every notable navigation app, such as the company's proprietary navigation software," he said.
"This constitutes free speech rights under the first amendment of the United States Constitution."
Mr Aaron - who has had experience in the tech industry for a long time - previously explained he designed the software out of concern over a increase in immigration raids.
"I certainly observed pretty closely during the previous administration and then I listened to the language during the political contest for the current," he said.
"My brain started thinking about what was about to transpire and what I could do to keep people safe."
Administration Position
The White House and Federal Bureau of Investigation had condemned the software after it was released in recent months and usage increased.