Why won't Apple take down a song that calls for the death of LGBTQ people?

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Level 1

8 points

Why won't Apple take down a song that calls for the death of LGBTQ people?

The song in question is called "Akhir Zaman" by Bunkface (see here: https://music.apple.com/my/album/akhir-zaman-single/1501673998)

It's been taken down by Spotify, YouTube and Facebook after receiving worldwide backlash (see here: https://sea.mashable.com/culture/9315/malaysian-pop-punk-band-bunkface-slammed-for-releasing-homophobic-song)

I have contacted Apple support multiple times and this was their response:

“Apple welcomes and appreciates your comments and suggestions. To ensure that all artists are treated fairly, our policy is not to censor artist content that may be deemed offensive, indecent, or objectionable . You may want to express your concerns to the artist’s record label. Though the label might not agree to withdraw the content, they might be able to offer a “clean” version on the iTunes Store.”

Does apple feel that calling for the death of LGBTQ people is protected by free speech?

Posted on Mar 9, 2020 10:41 AM

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Answer 1

Rheaong Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 9, 2020 11:45 AM in response to bumbleben0

I think this will be the litmus test for whether or not Apple truly supports the LGBTQ+ community.

Being a gay CEO does not mean your company is pro-gay. Selling an Apple watch strap in pride color for profit does not constitute support. Not taking down a song that calls for the death of LGBTQ people, unfortunately, makes you anti-LGBTQ.

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Answer 2

bumbleben0

Level 5

5,755 points

Mar 9, 2020 11:32 AM in response to Rheaong

You have already received an answer to your question, directly from someone at Apple.

Apple happily complies with laws in each jurisdiction that it operates, which is many. However, without a clear reason, Apple does not want to censor artists on its Apple Music platform because of the precedent it may set. Before calling Apple homophobic or something of the sort, it is worth noting that Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, is openly gay, and that you can set a Pride watch face on Apple Watch, among many other examples of Apple's support of the LGBTQ+ community.

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Answer 3

bumbleben0

Level 5

5,755 points

Mar 9, 2020 11:44 AM in response to Rheaong

Apple is known for being a very supportive workplace for its LGBT+ employees. You are entitled to your opinion of Apple. It is also worth noting that Spotify, Facebook, and YouTube are all ad-supported platforms, and they likely removed the song due to pressure from advertisers who don't want their company to be associated with the song.

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Answer 4

Rheaong Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 9, 2020 11:50 AM in response to bumbleben0

Ok. Maybe let's not throw the baby out with bathwater.

In any case, we need to agree that this is a serious issue that Apple can not overlook. And for your info, Apple has already set a precedent of removing hate speech -- Alex Jones has had his podcast removed years ago (https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/6/17655168/alex-jones-infowars-apple-itunes-podcasts-removed)

Also, Apple Music is ad-supported. Only 5% of listeners pay for a subscription (https://www.mobilemarketer.com/ex/mobilemarketer/cms/news/research/21367.html)

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Answer 5

bumbleben0

Level 5

5,755 points

Mar 9, 2020 9:08 PM in response to Rheaong

Apple Music is 100% ad-free, although it offers a three-month free trial. The article you linked states that 5% of listeners "across services," meaning Apple Music and its competitors.

Like I said, Apple Support has already provided you with an answer to your question, but feel free to vote with your wallet.

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Answer 6

Rheaong Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 9, 2020 9:13 PM in response to bumbleben0

"Vote with your wallet"

You seem to be alluding to the point that Apple only cares about profits and the market, which is a fact nonetheless, and contradicts what you said about the company support LGBTQ people.

If Apple cares about the community and for minorities and marginalised communities, it must remove the song. Period.

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Why won't Apple take down a song that calls for the death of LGBTQ people?

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