A CONTROVERSIAL iPhone app has been removed from the App Store for promoting parties during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hit app Vybe Together says it was banned by Apple, and is no longer available for download.
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The app is designed to help people create social events and meet up.
It’s built around the idea of “underground parties”, urging users to “get your rebel on, get your party on”.
Addresses were only sent to users two hours before start time, to avoid detection by authorities.
And users were forced to verify themselves by linking their Instagram accounts and sharing images of their social antics – to weed out whistleblowers.
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An NYT reporter first flagged the app on Twitter, slamming it as “terrible”.
One of the events highlighted was a secret New Year’s Event event in New York City, which would break Covid safety rules.
“We are aware that Covid is a major health problem to the country, our communities, our friends and family,” said Vybe Together in an FAQ note that has been removed, as spotted by The Verge.
“Having large-scale parties is very dangerous. That is why we don’t support that.
“But Vybe is a compromise, no big parties but small gatherings.
“We could be living, at least a little during these times with Vybe.”
The app is now no longer available, and Vybe Together said Apple was behind the removal.
On Instagram, Vybe Together has posted the following message: “Blown out of proportion by media.
“We do not condone large gatherings,” it added.
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Apple’s guidelines are very clear about not creating apps that could cause harm.
“If your app behaves in a way that risks physical harm, we may reject it,” Apple explains.
“Apps should not urge customers to participate in activities or use their devices in a way that risks physical harm to themselves or others.”
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
