Parler returns to Google Play store

Social media app Parler has returned to the Google Play store, following a long absence after being banned over content moderation concerns.

“While away from Google Play, we have worked diligently to build a more feature-rich and dynamic user experience. Now is a perfect time to join Parler and rediscover the non-partisan platform where we enable people to speak freely,” the company announced, per The Hill. Google Play removed Parler in January 2021.

Parler reportedly overhauled its content management system to comply with Google Play's standards, the outlet noted.

The company build its brand around its lack of viewpoint-based censorship, in opposition to Twitter's suppressing of prominent conservatives. Following the Jan. 6 capital riot, a number of tech platforms removed the app citing concerns about its content moderation policies.

Amazon web services shut off the app in January 2021 but the company returned in February with new servers. Apple also kicked the app off of its marketplace following the events of Jan. 6. The company reached a deal with Parler to allow its return in April 2021 after it agreed to comply with Apple's content guidelines. Google remained a holdout against Parler's return.

Amid Parler's woes, however, former President Donald Trump launched his own social media platform, Truth Social, a free-speech based Twitter alternative that resembles Parler in many respects. Company leadership told Just the News in April 2021 that it was not concerned about possible competition from the app, which launched earlier this year.

The company did argue in January 2021 that Amazon Web Services shut them down to block Trump from joining Parler after his Twitter ban.