Android users are demanding that Google withdraw an Angry Birds clone from the Play app store due to religious offence caused by the game’s content.
Angry Prophets has been available in Google Play since April 21. The game features two characters who bear a likeness to Jesus and the prophet Muhammad. Just like in Rovio’s popular game, players launch these characters heads to defeat their enemies, in this case devils.
At the time of writing, the game has an average rating of 2.9 in Google Play. “This game must be deleted”, comments one user in his short review of the game. “I hope Google will do something about this. It’s such a disgrace to our beloved Prophet Muhammad and seriously not funny”. Visually depicting Muhammad is forbidden in Islam.
The campaign to have the Angry Birds for Android parody removed began on Twitter a few hours ago. The steps to follow are simple: if you agree that the game should be banned, simply open the game’s Google Play page on any Android device. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Flag as inappropriate.
What do Google’s Developer Program Policies say on the matter? Under the heading ‘Hate Speech‘, Google says “We don’t allow the promotion of hatred toward groups of people based on their race or ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender, age, veteran status, or sexual orientation/gender identity.”
Based on prior experience, everything suggests that Angry Prophets will be banned by the Android store. Other examples of apps described as offensive, including Make Me Asian and Make Me Indian, were banned by Google following complaints by users that the apps were based on racial stereotypes.
I’ve contacted Google Play and the app’s developer for comment. I will update this story as and when I receive a response.
