Catalonia referendum judge orders google shut mobile app

A significant development in the ongoing saga of the Catalan independence referendum!

On October 16, 2017, a Spanish judge, Pablo Ruz, ordered Google to shut down its Google Play Store mobile app in Spain, citing concerns that the app was being used to promote the Catalan independence referendum, which was deemed illegal by the Spanish government.

The app, called "Junts per Catalunya" (Together for Catalonia), was created by the Catalan government to facilitate the referendum, which was held on October 1, 2017. The app allowed users to find polling stations, check voting results, and access information about the referendum.

Judge Ruz, who is presiding over a case related to the referendum, argued that the app was being used to promote the referendum and undermine the Spanish government's authority. He claimed that the app was a "tool for the commission of a crime" and that its continued availability could lead to "grave consequences" for public order and stability.

Google has not commented publicly on the judge's order, but it is likely that the company will appeal the decision. The move is seen as a significant escalation in the Spanish government's efforts to suppress the Catalan independence movement, which has been met with widespread international criticism.

The Catalan government has accused the Spanish government of using "repressive measures" to silence the region's people and has vowed to continue pushing for independence. The situation remains highly tense, with many Catalans feeling that their rights and freedoms are being curtailed by the Spanish government.

What do you think about this development? Should the Spanish government be allowed to restrict the use of digital platforms to suppress political dissent?