iTunes ditches podcasts from controversial InfoWars creator Alex Jones

Apple has dropped episodes of a controversial podcast run by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, following similar bans by Spotify, Facebook and YouTube.

The firm said it removed the entire iTunes library for five of Jones’s six InfoWars podcasts, including the shows ‘War Room’ and the daily ‘The Alex Jones Show’.

Only one programme provided by InfoWars, ‘RealNews with David Knight’ remained on Apple’s platforms at the time of publication.

The move by Apple is the most sweeping of a recent crackdown on Jones’s programmes by online sites.

A number of platforms have suspended or removed some of the radio host’s conspiracy-driven content in recent weeks for violating hate content policies.

Apple has dropped episodes of a controversial podcast run by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones (file photo), following similar bans by Spotify, Facebook and YouTube. Apple said it removed the entire iTunes library for five of Jones’s six InfoWars podcasts

In a statement to BuzzFeed, Apple confirmed it had also removed Jones’ podcast for violating its guidelines on hate speech.

An Apple spokesperson was not available for comment early on Monday.

Jones says his shows, which are broadcast on radio, YouTube and other platforms, reach at least 70 million people a week.

The theories he has promoted include that the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington were staged by the US government.

He has also promoted a theory that the 2012 Sandy Hook school massacre was faked by left-wing forces to promote gun control.

The shooting left 26 children and adults dead at a Connecticut elementary school.

Jones is currently being sued in Texas by two Sandy Hook parents, seeking at least $1 million (£0.77 million), claiming that they have been the subject of harassment driven by his programs.

Neither Jones nor a representative for InfoWars were available early on Monday for comment.

In other recent actions against Jones, Facebook suspended the radio and Internet host’s personal profile for 30 days in late July.

The company cited bullying and hate speech for the decision.

Also in July, YouTube slapped Jones’ channel with a ‘community strike,’ blocking him from broadcasting live on the site for 90 days.

The move by Apple is the most sweeping of a recent crackdown on Jones's programmes by online sites. A number of large platforms have suspended or removed some of the radio host's conspiracy-driven content in recent weeks for violating hate content policies (stock image)

The move by Apple is the most sweeping of a recent crackdown on Jones’s programmes by online sites. A number of large platforms have suspended or removed some of the radio host’s conspiracy-driven content in recent weeks for violating hate content policies (stock image)

WHO IS ALEX JONES?

Alex Jones is a controversial radio and podcast host based in Austin, Texas.

Jones says his ‘InfoWars’ shows, which are broadcast on radio, YouTube and other platforms, reach at least 70 million people a week.

Among other claims, he has called the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting a hoax.

He was sued for defamation by families of some of the children killed in that attack, which left 20 children and six adults dead.

Among other claims, Alex Jones (file photo) has called the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting a hoax. He was sued for defamation by families of some of the children killed in that attack, which left 20 children and six adults dead 

Among other claims, Alex Jones (file photo) has called the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting a hoax. He was sued for defamation by families of some of the children killed in that attack, which left 20 children and six adults dead 

He now admits the shooting occurred but says his claims were free speech. He has sought to have the lawsuit dismissed.

Jones has also claimed that the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington were staged by the US government. 

While he began broadcasting his shows in 1999, Jones’ profile has spread from the far-right fringe in recent years.

While running for president in 2015, Donald Trump told Jones his reputation was ‘amazing.’

Spotify, a music and podcast streaming company, followed suit last week when it removed some specific episodes of Jones’s programmes.

It’s unclear exactly how many episodes were ditched, although the vast majority of content created by Jones remains available to Spotify users.

‘Spotify can confirm it has removed specific episodes of `The Alex Jones Show´ podcast for violating our hate content policy,’ a spokesperson said late Sunday.

‘We take reports of hate content seriously and review any podcast episode or song that is flagged by our community.’

The move followed a severe backlash on social media that saw Spotify subscribers threaten to ditch their accounts after the streaming service continued to host Jones’ ‘Infowars’ podcast despite blocks from other services.

Writer Greg Rucka tweeted: ‘Really kinda appalled by Spotify carrying Alex Jones.

‘I know countless writers and artists who use the service. Not anymore.’

Another user, who tweets under the handle @CopThese, added: ‘seriously, I’m going to miss my Spotify subscription, but this is a bridge too far.’

The Sleeping Giants campaign, which aims to encourage companies to drop ads from media organisations that encourage bigotry, tweeted: ‘Really, @Spotify?

‘Alex Jones has been responsible for harassing parents of Sandy Hook children, Vegas shooting victims and threatening to kill the Special Counsel.

‘And you’re now hosting his podcasts??’ 



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