Saudi Arabia: App used to track women ‘not against’ Google rules

Google has remained silent over reports it told a US congresswoman that a controversial app was not in breach of its terms and conditions. Saudi app Absher can be used by men to track women and prevent them from travelling. The office of Jackie Speier confirmed that a verbal conversation took place with Google after […]

Google has remained silent over reports it told a US congresswoman that a controversial app was not in breach of its terms and conditions.

Saudi app Absher can be used by men to track women and prevent them from travelling.

The office of Jackie Speier confirmed that a verbal conversation took place with Google after she co-wrote a letter of complaint about the app.

Google declined to comment.

Absher is currently available on both Apple and Google’s app stores.

The app, which also offers access to government services, has been criticised by human rights groups.

Saudi women need the permission of a male guardian, usually their husband or father, to leave the country.