Google MY pulls JAKIM's 'gay conversion app' from Play Store

Google has pulled the Hijrah Diri created by JAKIM from its Play Store. A check by A+M found that the app is no longer available on the Play Store and Google's spokesperson also told A+M: "Whenever an app is flagged to us, we investigate against our Play Store policies and if violations are found we take appropriate action to maintain a trusted experience for all.”

According to The Guardian, the app was released in July 2016 but gained attention once more when JAKIM posted about it on social media. According to its tweet and Facebook post on 9 March, JAKIM said the app was created together with the Ihtimam Malaysia Foundation to help LGBT individuals "return to fitrah (a state of purity and innocence)". The app also contains an e-book that references the real-life experience of a gay man who "abandoned homosexual behaviour" during Ramadan. It also has audio forms of Islamic prayers. 

https://twitter.com/MyJAKIM/status/1501386157245943808

Under Google's guidelines, the company does not allow any apps that "attempt to deceive users or enable dishonest behaviour including but not limited to apps which are determined to be functionally impossible". When approached for a comment, JAKIM told A+M: "This app is for those who want to return to nature."

Most netizens on social media were in support of the app. On Facebook, several netizens praised JAKIM for its efforts and hoped that the app would be useful for those who are in need or are too shy to ask for help. One netizen, however, questioned if JAKIM was planning on creating apps that are more beneficial instead, such as helping those in need. Meanwhile, on Twitter, some netizens said if individuals had issues with the Hijrah Diri app, they do not need to download it and that the app is made for LGBT individuals who require guidance.

According to a 2020 report by independent expert Victor Madrigal-Borloz to the United Nations’ Human Rights Council, Malaysia is one of the several nations globally that implemented measures to curb behaviours perceived as immoral, including same-sex behaviour, and specifically promotes practices of “conversion therapy”, including through university programmes.

Separately, across the border, the topic of conversion therapy also stirred up some debate last year. Ahead of Pride Month last year, the Singapore Psychological Society denounced conversion therapy on its social media, saying that it stands with every single person for their deepest "self", i.e. who they really experience and identify themselves as. In particular, the society honours the LGBTQ+ population who have suffered deeply, and who the society deeply cherishes just as they are.

Photo courtesy: JAKIM's Twitter and Facebook page