I chanced upon this article in a random web surfing trek: http://techland.time.com/2011/06/23/apple-removes-controversial-anti-israel-app-from-app-store/.
I have always loved controversies and this is as good as any. Apple has recently deleted “The Third Intifada” app from its app store. The app provided updates on the latest Palestinian protests as well as anti-Israel publications. Some posts highlighted by the app has demanded violence against Israel. Due to complaints from an Israeli official and a human rights organization, Apple removed the application a short week after it was released.
At first glance, the issue seems to be a simple necessary censorship of the public against hate speech. However, the problem has certainly triggered some hot debate from the viewers.
One blogger wrote: “Please, Time, tell me what is ‘controversial’ about an application that promotes violence and murderous actions. Is there any doubt that it should be taken down, please explain.” His words seem clear enough. The controversy seems ridiculous.
However, another responded: “I would like to know what was wrong with this application? Just because Israel felt threatened by the impact it might have to unite Palestinians doesn’t mean it will lead to violence.”
Another added: “Yea yea its been up for a week but when Israel started CRYING like a little girl all of a sudden Apple removes it cause of so called SECTION 19… So where was section 19 when you approved this app???”
Some research yields suspicious elements within the banning of the app. While there were certainly some violent articles that were highlighted by the app, these violent posts are in the slight minority within the large number of stuff the app has highlighted or been used for. The majority of the posts involved relatively peaceful demonstrations and protests. Many of them were similar in nature to the ones hosted by the Egypt and Libya except Palestinians are protesting to oust Israelis. During the revolutionary protests in Egypt and Libya, certain bloggers and individuals certainly endorsed violent sentiments, but Apple did not belittle nor condemn the entire cause. Even now, it seems that elective censorship of only violent messages seem to a much more logical alternative than banning the entire app that was approved only a week ago.
I am a staunch supporter of the freedom of the press but certainly do understand the necessity of banning hate speech. Nonetheless, we must question ourselves if our reaction to “The Third Intifada” app is influenced by our government’s support for Israel? Do we inherently view any protests against the Israeli state as illegitimate and violent in nature? Are the protests legitimate if we view them separate from some of the violence in the past. Make no mistake, I do not share the point of views of these protesters. Nonetheless as Voltaire said, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” So do the Palestinians have a right to say what they are saying?