Some interesting technical details on the Apple iOS #ICEBlock app, and opinion on Apple's decision to remove it from the App Store at the demand of the DOJ:
https://daringfireball.net/2025/10/iceblock_removed_from_app_store
Tim Chambers
boosted
Joshua Aaron, creator of ICEBlock, has asked Apple to reinstate the app in its online store, telling CNBC in an interview that when the app was first submitted it had been through a heavy review process, and that he is consulting an attorney. The app, which can be used to anonymously report sightings of ICE agents and other authorities, was removed after pressure from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. The FBI claimed that a gunman who attacked a Dallas ICE facility used apps that tracked ICE agents. Aaron likens it to apps that allow drivers to report sightings of law enforcement officers so they can warn others and avoid speeding tickets.
#Apple #AppStore #ICEBlock #Technology #Tech #TrumpAdministration #USNews #PamBondi
Joshua Aaron, creator of ICEBlock, has asked Apple to reinstate the app in its online store, telling CNBC in an interview that when the app was first submitted it had been through a heavy review process, and that he is consulting an attorney. The app, which can be used to anonymously report sightings of ICE agents and other authorities, was removed after pressure from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. The FBI claimed that a gunman who attacked a Dallas ICE facility used apps that tracked ICE agents. Aaron likens it to apps that allow drivers to report sightings of law enforcement officers so they can warn others and avoid speeding tickets.
#Apple #AppStore #ICEBlock #Technology #Tech #TrumpAdministration #USNews #PamBondi
Cory Doctorow
boosted
As @pluralistic mentioned in a recent blog entry mentioning VPN apps being removed from the Chinese app store and now with #iceblock being removed, It seems to me there are also very strong ethical reasons (As well as economical) to outright stop companies from running walled gardens on devices you supposedly own outright. Cut the crap excuses Apple https://pluralistic.net/2025/09/26/empty-threats/#500-million-affluent-consumers #tech #technology
As @pluralistic mentioned in a recent blog entry mentioning VPN apps being removed from the Chinese app store and now with #iceblock being removed, It seems to me there are also very strong ethical reasons (As well as economical) to outright stop companies from running walled gardens on devices you supposedly own outright. Cut the crap excuses Apple https://pluralistic.net/2025/09/26/empty-threats/#500-million-affluent-consumers #tech #technology
Dane 🇮🇪 ☮️🕉️⚛️☸️
boosted
re: ICE Block app
might wanna install the APK from... not the Google Play store. Just in case.
...IF THEY HAD ONE.
If you see any ICE Block Android APKs floating around, they are not legit (or more accurately, not with their blessing; they're sticking with the IOS ecosystem for privacy concerns).
re: ICE Block app
might wanna install the APK from... not the Google Play store. Just in case.
...IF THEY HAD ONE.
If you see any ICE Block Android APKs floating around, they are not legit (or more accurately, not with their blessing; they're sticking with the IOS ecosystem for privacy concerns).
Matt Noyes
and 2 others
boosted
The new ICEBlock app that is causing Stephen Miller & his racist, Nazi SS agents to go apoplectic with impotent rage.
Works like WAZE, a GPS app in which you report accidents, slow traffic, police, etc., for other users.
If you see ICE (or people pretending to be ICE) activity at your location, report it in the app to warn others.
It would be really bad for Miller's blood pressure if you downloaded the app and spread the word by Boosting ♻️ this post.
#FuckICE#ICE
#ICEBlock#ICEBlockApp
Alex Akselrod
boosted
#iceblock
ICE Block--A new app designed to let you know when #ICE is operating nearby so you can make #goodtrouble or protect yourself as needed.
#iceblock
ICE Block--A new app designed to let you know when #ICE is operating nearby so you can make #goodtrouble or protect yourself as needed.
The new ICEBlock app that is causing Stephen Miller & his racist, Nazi SS agents to go apoplectic with impotent rage.
Works like WAZE, a GPS app in which you report accidents, slow traffic, police, etc., for other users.
If you see ICE (or people pretending to be ICE) activity at your location, report it in the app to warn others.
It would be really bad for Miller's blood pressure if you downloaded the app and spread the word by Boosting ♻️ this post.
#FuckICE#ICE
#ICEBlock#ICEBlockApp
just small circles 🕊
boosted
somebody should make a better ICE tracker, for fun.
maybe with ZKP.
maybe over Tor.
maybe P2P.
importantly:
1. it should have a good site that gets the point across
2. it should be easy to use and understand
3. it should do the primary function
&
4. it should fix what you're complaining about the ICE block app (without breaking what the ICE block app already does)
good documentation, PR & UX outwin "more sound designs" every time.
somebody should make a better ICE tracker, for fun.
maybe with ZKP.
maybe over Tor.
maybe P2P.
importantly:
1. it should have a good site that gets the point across
2. it should be easy to use and understand
3. it should do the primary function
&
4. it should fix what you're complaining about the ICE block app (without breaking what the ICE block app already does)
good documentation, PR & UX outwin "more sound designs" every time.
Alex Akselrod
boosted
#ICEBlock, an iPhone app that allows users to anonymously report sightings of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents,
⭐️has rocketed to one of the coveted top spots in Apple’s U.S. App Store rankings.
The upshot: Criticism from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi helped get it there.
Most of ICEBlock’s users
— about 20,000
— are in Los Angeles,
where ICE raids have become commonplace over recent weeks, according to CNN.
Following Bondi’s remarks late Monday, the app went viral overnight.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the app is one of the most downloaded free iPhone apps in the United States.
#ICEBlock, an iPhone app that allows users to anonymously report sightings of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents,
⭐️has rocketed to one of the coveted top spots in Apple’s U.S. App Store rankings.
The upshot: Criticism from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi helped get it there.
Most of ICEBlock’s users
— about 20,000
— are in Los Angeles,
where ICE raids have become commonplace over recent weeks, according to CNN.
Following Bondi’s remarks late Monday, the app went viral overnight.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the app is one of the most downloaded free iPhone apps in the United States.
Dane 🇮🇪 ☮️🕉️⚛️☸️
boosted
A new #iPhone app, ICEBlock, allows users to anonymously report real-time sightings of ICE activity, similar to Waze.
#ICE officials have condemned the app, stating it endangers officers due to a recent 500% increase in assaults against them. [ #fuckICE
]
The app's developer says ICEBlock is a #grassroots effort to inform #communities about ICE operations and help #people avoid confrontations.
#ICEBlock app alerts users of nearby ICE sightings
https://www.foxla.com/news/iceblock-app-ice-sightings