Truth Social, the social media app created by former President Donald Trump, is now available for download on the Google Play Store (via CNBC). In August, Google banned the app due to “inadequate” content moderation policies.
Providing a Twitter-like social experience, Truth Social markets itself as a platform that “encourages open, free and honest global conversation.” It first launched on the Apple App Store in February before attempting to offer its app through the Google Play Store.
Google said in a statement that it will allow apps in the Google Play Store as long as they “comply with our developer guidelines, including the requirement to effectively moderate user-generated content and remove offensive posts, such as those that incite violence.” The company adds that Truth Social has agreed to enforce the moderation measures on user generated content that Google needs. Google also reinstated a similar app, Parler, after it banned it following the Capitol riots.
In addition to policy violations that initially prevented the launch on Android, the Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG)-owned Truth Social has also faced financial difficulties related to the repeatedly delayed SPAC. Digital World Acquisition Corp, the empty company that wants to merge with TMTG and make it public, slowed down the process again on Monday and now has the shareholder vote scheduled for November 3.
Trump’s media company is also currently facing an investigation of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over a complaint of alleged securities violations by a former executive of Trump Media. Digital World Acquisition Corp has already warned investors that a dip in Trump’s popularity could negatively affect the company, and, as CNBC points out, investor opinion on the outlook has also softened over the possibility that Elon Musk will complete his purchase of Twitter and Trump of the platform will remove.