Picture shows the message that would be sent by the application to keep people updated about the drone strikes taking place around the world. PHOTO: THE INDEPENDENT
An iPhone application that sends push notifications to its users every time there is a US drone attack anywhere in the world has been repeatedly removed for being “not useful or entertaining enough”, The Independent reported.
The application called ‘Metadata+’ was created by Josh Begley, a data artist at The Intercept, with the aim of spreading awareness about the America's use of unmanned drone aircraft in countries like Yemen and Pakistan.
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A previous version of the app, called 'Drones+' had been rejected earlier, after which the renamed Metadata+ was submitted. The app was approved last year, but was pulled off the App Store last weekend.
Apple removed an app that reported on actual drone strikes.
— Imraan Siddiqi (@imraansiddiqi) September 29, 2015
They labeled it as "objectionable"http://t.co/wX4ziiR88t pic.twitter.com/fDqsRKIeJ6
Ironically, Metadata+ never used graphic evidence of the drone strikes. Instead, it used text and maps to convey the message.
In 2012, Begley pointed out that there was a game on the app store in which players carried out drone strikes. Apple did not remove the app, which is still available.
Cool! A drone app that's neither 'crude' nor 'objectionable' pic.twitter.com/Z3C7rZXW
— Josh Begley (@joshbegley) September 13, 2012
Unperturbed and undefeated, Begley has dedicated a Twitter account to update his followers about US drone strikes. Another app, “Ephemeral+”, that performs the same function as ‘Metadata+’ is still available.
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