Google follows Apple in removing ICE-tracking apps, cites ‘high risk of abuse’

A day after Apple removed the app ICEBlock from its iOS App Store, Google has taken down a similar app, Red Dot, from the Play Store, a report has said. Google confirmed the removal of Red Dot, explaining that its decision was based on a policy against apps presenting ‘a high risk of abuse’. Both apps have been designed to allow users to anonymously report sightings of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and view nearby alerts. It has been argued that such tools could potentially endanger law enforcement officers.

According to a report by 404 Media, Google said it did not receive any outreach from the Department of Justice about the issue.