Gab just sued Google for employing anticompetitive practices after banning the app from the Google Play Store, The Washington Post reported.

Launched by former ad tech founder Andrew Torba last year, Gab has gained significant traction as an alternative social network. Gab promotes itself as a free speech platform and therefore has attracted members of the alt-right and white supremacists who are able to share their views without fear of being banned.

Back in August, Gab said Google had banned its Android app from the Google Play Store. An email from Google Play Support to Gab said it "violates the hate speech policy."

"In order to be on the Play Store, social networking apps need to demonstrate a sufficient level of moderation, including for content that encourages violence and advocates hate against groups of people," a Google spokesperson said in a statement to ArsTechnica.

Now, Gab's lawyers are alleging that Google is violating antitrust law by not allowing the platform to appear in the Google Play Store.

"This claim is baseless and we're happy to defend our decision in court if need be. In order to be on the Play Store, social networking apps need to demonstrate a sufficient level of moderation," a Google spokesperson wrote in a statement Friday.

"This is a long-standing rule and clearly stated in our developer policies. This developer is welcome to appeal the suspension if they've addressed the policy violations and are compliant with our Developer Program Policies," the statement continued.

Gab was allowed in the store until August, only days after Google fired former engineer James Damore who had circulated a controversial memo. Apple rejected Gab from its app store back in 2016, where Torba again claimed bias.

The 40-page lawsuit doesn't just allege violating anti-trust law, but it also takes an "ideological crusade against the hypocrisy of Silicon Valley and 'political correctness,'" according to Fast Company.

For example, the lawsuit cites a "Charlottesville 'moment,'" referring to the white supremacist rallies where one person died and several were injured, as the reason for banning Gab from the Play Store.

When reached out for comment, Torba directed Mashable to a Medium post titled "Gab Declares War On Google, Files Lawsuit."



