Google, Apple under fire over ‘tracking’ app
APPLE and Google are facing a major backlash, from human rights activists and lawmakers, after being accused of supporting patriarchy with a Saudi Arabian “woman tracker app” which is used to monitor and manage the whereabouts of women in the Arab nation.
“I haven’t heard about it,” Apple chief executive Tim Cook said, adding that he would investigate the situation. “But obviously we’ll take a look at it if that’s the case.”
The app, Absher, is listed in both Apple’s app store and the Google Play store as a Kingdom of Saudi Arabia eServices Mobile Application which enables you to “safely browse your profile or your family members, or labours working for you, and perform a wide range of eServices online.”
Human Rights Watch’s Rothna Begum said: “It’s really designed with the men in mind. Of course, it’s incredibly demeaning, insulting and humiliating for the women and downright abusive in many cases, because you’re allowing men absolute control over women’s movements.”
Oregon Senator Ron Wyden sent letters to both companies, according to a Washington Post report, further explaining that “Saudi men can also use Absher to receive real-time text message alerts every time (the) women enter or leave the country or to prevent these women from leaving the country.”
Men can easily generate text messages which provide information related to the movements of their wives and daughters, according to reports.
“American companies should not enable or facilitate the Saudi government’s patriarchy,” Wyden added.
Amnesty International has also condemned the app. |