Apple removes ‘Eyes Up’ — app archived videos of ICE arrests

According to reporting from 404 Media, Apple removed an app called Eyes Up, which archived and mapped videos of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests. The app collected videos from social platforms and user submissions, plotted incidents on an interactive map, and allowed users to view and download clips that could be used for accountability and, potentially, in court.

Apple reportedly said it removed the app for violating its policy on “objectionable content” and after receiving information from law enforcement that the app could be used to provide location information about officers that might be exploited to harm them. The removal follows similar action against an app called ICEBlock, which aimed to provide real-time alerts of ICE activity.

“Our goal is government accountability, we aren’t even doing real-time tracking,” an Eyes Up administrator told 404 Media.

Key points:

• What Eyes Up did: archived videos of ICE arrests from multiple sources, plotted them on a map, and accepted user submissions.
• Apple’s rationale: policy violations related to “objectionable content” and law‑enforcement safety concerns.
• Context: Similar removals (e.g., ICEBlock) followed pressure and concern from law‑enforcement advocates and officials about apps that share officer locations.

Sources and further reading:

• 404 Media — Apple banned an app that simply archived videos of ICE abuses (report)
• News segment discussing ICEBlock and reported DOJ/AG requests on app removals (video)

Apple has been contacted for comment in other reports about similar app removals; we will update if Apple or law‑enforcement agencies provide statements regarding Eyes Up specifically.

Questions to consider: Should app stores remove tools that archive potentially sensitive incidents when the stated goal is public accountability? Or do the safety concerns outweigh those aims? Share your thoughts below.