But Google keeps it afloat on Android.
In a surprise move yesterday, the world’s largest mobile apps provider removed its WikiLeaks application from its Apple AppStore, although it was first released just three days ago.
The app, which was available for a measly $1.99, allowed users instant access to the whistleblower site that is sinking in its own controversy since it began its releases of confidential government information in November.
The second-largest mobile applications store provided by Google’s Android phone has kept all its Wikileaks apps available for users and has given no indication so far that this policy is to change.
Some of Google’s apps on offer provide an alert every time a new document is leaked and also the ability to follow them on Twitter.
The technology powerhouse follows hot in the heels of Amazon, who dumped the site off its high capacity EC2 Elastic Cloud Compute system, believed to be following pressure from the US government.
“I will be asking Amazon about the extent of its relationship with WikiLeaks and what it and other web service providers will do in the future to ensure that their services are not used to distribute stolen, classified information,” US Senator Lieberman had warned.
Similar to Amazon, Apple attributed the cut off to violation of developer’s guidelines.
“We removed the WikiLeaks App from the App Store because it violated our developer guidelines,” Apple said.
“Apps must comply with all local laws and may not put an individual or targeted group in harm’s way.”
Igor Barinovis is the developer behind the controversial app.
US Attorney General Eric Holder also has said he is considering charging Julian Assange’s website under the U.S. Espionage Act, under which it is illegal to make use of sensitive government information with the intent of harming the United States.
Australian born Assange is currently holed up in a Manor estate in the UK countryside on bail, and is wanted in Sweden under rape allegations.
It is unclear whether a backlash against Apple will occur, although it seems likely.
“Anyone that distances themselves from WikiLeaks could potentially become a cyber target,” said John Bumgarner, chief technology officer for the U.S. Cyber Consequences.
PayPal and Mastercard also recently turned their backs on the online hacking site, as well as EveryDNS, providers of the original domain name wikileaks.org.
