In the wake of the January 6th Capitol riots, there has been increasing scrutiny on social media platforms like Parler that are perceived to have allowed planning and communication between extremist groups. As a result, Parler was removed from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in January 2021, making it more difficult for users to download the app on iOS or Android devices.
Quick Summary
Parler can no longer be downloaded directly from the Google Play Store. However, there are still some alternative methods to install Parler on Android devices:
- Download the Parler APK file directly from Parler’s website
- Install Parler through third-party app stores like Aptoide
- Sideload the Parler app using Android Debug Bridge (ADB)
However, these installation methods require enabling “Unknown Sources” on your Android device, which reduces security. Additionally, the Parler app lacks some key features after being banned from mainstream app stores. Overall, while Parler is not completely unavailable for Android, the platform faces hurdles and diminished functionality.
Parler’s Removal from Major App Stores
Parler, which bills itself as an alternative social media platform centered on free speech, launched in 2018 and quickly gained popularity among right-wing users. On January 8, 2021, Google removed Parler from the Google Play Store over concerns the app was being used to incite violence and plan the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Apple also removed Parler from the iOS App Store the same day, citing similar concerns over threats of violence and illegal activity by Parler users. As two of the largest app marketplaces, the bans severely restricted Parler’s ability to reach new users and deliver app updates.
Google’s Reasons for Banning Parler
In a statement, Google said:
“In order to protect user safety on Google Play, our longstanding policies require that apps displaying user-generated content have moderation policies and enforcement that removes egregious content like posts that incite violence. All developers agree to these terms and we have reminded Parler of this clear policy in recent months.”
Google said Parler had failed to adequately moderate violent content ahead of the Capitol attack. The tech giant required Parler to implement a robust moderation plan before being considered for reinstatement in the Play Store.
Apple’s Reasons for Banning Parler
Similarly, Apple stated:
“We have always supported diverse points of view being represented on the App Store, but there is no place on our platform for threats of violence and illegal activity. Parler has not taken adequate measures to address the proliferation of these threats to people’s safety.”
Apple expressed concerns that Parler was used to coordinate the storming of the U.S. Capitol and plan future threats of violence. Like Google, Apple required a moderation plan from Parler before reinstatement.
Can I Download Parler for Android from the Play Store?
As of November 2023, the Parler app remains banned from the Google Play Store. There is no option to download Parler onto an Android device directly through the Play Store at this time.
Parler CEO George Farmer has said the platform rejected Google’s demands to implement AI-based moderation, as it believes this would infringe on free speech. As a result of this disagreement, Parler has not been reinstated.
Unless Parler and Google reach an agreement on moderation, the app will likely remain unavailable for download on the Play Store into the foreseeable future.
Alternative Ways to Get Parler for Android
While no longer in Google Play, there are still a few options for downloading and installing Parler on an Android device through alternative methods:
Download the Parler APK
APK refers to the Android application package file format used to distribute and install apps on Android OS. Parler provides download links for the Parler APK file on its website:
- Go to https://parler.com/auth/access on your Android device
- Select “Download for Android”
- The APK file will download to your device
- Open the file to launch the Parler installation
This will install Parler without going through the Play Store. However, you’ll need to enable “Unknown Sources” in your Android settings to allow installation from outside the Play Store, which poses some security risks.
Install via Third-Party App Stores
Parler is also available on some third-party Android app stores and repositories like Aptoide. These alternatives to the Play Store may not review apps as strictly:
- Download and install a third-party Android app store like Aptoide
- Search for Parler in the app store and select Install
Again, using third-party stores requires enabling “Unknown Sources” and can increase security risks. Check reviews and research the reputation of any third-party app store before use.
Sideload with Android Debug Bridge
Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a developer tool that makes it possible to sideload apps onto Android devices. This method is more complex but avoids third-party app stores:
- On a computer, install ADB tools and drivers
- Connect your Android device to the computer via USB
- Enter ADB sideload mode on your device
- Use ADB to install the Parler APK on your device
Again, you’ll need to enable installation from “Unknown Sources.” This approach also requires some technical skill with ADB and risks security issues.
Limitations of Getting Parler from Outside the Play Store
While Parler remains accessible on Android through these alternative methods, there are some drawbacks:
- No updates – Can’t update Parler when not in Play Store
- Security risks from unknown sources
- Some features may not work properly
- Not easy for average user to install
Without Play Store access, Parler is unable to push app updates to fix bugs, add features, and improve performance. Security is also degraded by enabling “Unknown Sources.”
Overall, Parler still works on Android but lacks key app store functionality and faces hurdles to reach mainstream audiences. The platform’s growth and development are constrained under these conditions.
The Future of Parler on Android
It remains unclear if or when Parler might regain access to the Google Play Store. Unless Parler agrees to implement more aggressive moderation, the app will likely remain banned from mainstream Android app distribution.
Some analysts believe Parler’s refusal to filter violent content will permanently limit its audience. But others argue there is still a market among ardent free speech supporters.
For now, Parler persists in a diminished state on Android, dependent on technical workarounds and lacking major app store Features. Still, its ongoing availability showcases the challenges of silencing a determined platform amidst debates over online speech.
Conclusion
In summary:
- Parler was banned from the Google Play Store over content moderation concerns
- The app can no longer be directly downloaded from the Play Store
- Using alternative methods like sideloading introduces security risks
- Parler is crippled on Android without full app store functionality
- The standoff between Parler and Google raises complex questions about regulating online platforms
For the foreseeable future, those wishing to use Parler on Android must rely on imperfect workarounds. But the enduring tensions between content moderation and ideological diversity seem unlikely to be resolved soon. Parler’s fate on Android represents just one front in broader debates over technology, extremism, and free speech.
| Installation Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play Store | Easy installation, automatic updates, optimized performance | Currently banned from Play Store |
| Direct APK Download | Allows installation without app store | No updates, security risks, some features may not work |
| Third-Party App Stores | Provides app distribution outside Play Store | Security risks, app quality not guaranteed |
| Android Debug Bridge | Avoids third-party app stores | Complicated, requires technical skill, security risks |
