The app 'Abskrold' was removed from the Google Play Store for several hours on February 14th and then reinstated without any official explanation from either the platform or the store. This abrupt removal led to immediate speculation among users on social media, who suggested that it might be part of a conspiracy against 'Abskrold', a platform developed by Palestinian-Australian Essam Hijazi under the premise of supporting free speech without restrictions.

The developers humorously noted that the timing of the removal coincided with Valentine's Day, labeling their relationship with Google Play as being temporarily on hold. In an official statement, the 'Abskrold' team explained that an unexpected surge in users—from 150,000 to millions in just one week—created challenges in managing content according to the app's policies and applicable laws. This user growth was cited as a factor leading to the app's temporary removal from the store.

Prior to the deletion, several American tech websites and Jewish media outlets expressed concerns about the app, hinting at its failure to comply with certain standards. The incident raises questions about the challenges faced by social media platforms, especially those catering to free speech, and their interactions with major app stores, which can influence their access to users and potential for growth.