The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office in Rio Grande do Sul (MPF-RS) instituted this Wednesday (24) a procedure to investigate a slavery simulator application available on the Play Store, Google’s virtual store. The electronic game was available on the platform until early afternoon today, when it was taken down. However, according to the MPF-RS, the application, from the developer MagnusGames, had already been downloaded by several users. According to the platform, the game has been downloaded at least a thousand times. Many racist comments were recorded. “In light of this, an official letter was issued for the company Google to provide specific information about the game”, said the MPF in a note. “It is a game in which the user plays the role of slave owner and can choose between the possibility of making a profit and preventing escapes and rebellions or fighting for freedom and achieving abolition”, added the MPF. In São Paulo, the Special Group to Combat Racial Crimes and Intolerance (Gecradi), from the state Public Prosecutor’s Office, created a News of Fact about the application. In the document, the MP points out the existence of more than a thousand downloads already made in a short period of time, as well as hate speech in the comments on the Google platform. “The company must inform, within three days, the date, time and platform(s) of the game’s availability, sending a full copy of all documents and the internal administrative procedure for requesting approval made by the developer”, says the text of the Notícia de Fact. The MP also wants access to the email that was registered by the person responsible for the game and to information about the authorization policy for publishing applications available on Google Play. Parliamentarians Federal Deputy Ivan Valente (PSOL-SP) represented the Federal District MPF investigating the case. The parliamentarian points out that the game praises slavery. “It remains crystal clear that Google Brazil Internet, maintains in its application download store a game that praises slavery, an illegal, perverse and cruel regime, where human beings have their freedoms curtailed and are considered properties, which can be commercialized”, says the text of the representation. Rio de Janeiro municipal councilor Thais Ferreira (PSOL) also presented a representation to the state prosecutor against the racist app. The parliamentarian points out that the game presents highly offensive and disrespectful content by simulating slavery, “promoting symbolic violence, racial discrimination and affronting human rights. The availability and commercialization of this game on the Google Play platform allows access by children, adolescents and adults, contributing to the dissemination of negative stereotypes and violating human dignity and racial equality”, says part of the legal piece. In a statement, Google said it had removed the game from its app store and was taking steps to curb incitement to hatred and violence. “We have a robust set of policies that are designed to keep users safe and that all developers must follow. We do not allow apps that promote violence or incite hatred against individuals or groups based on race or ethnic origin, or that portray or promote gratuitous violence or other dangerous activities. Brazilian government To avoid new episodes like the one in this game, the Ministry of Racial Equality (MIR) got in touch with Google to develop, jointly, a filter that does not allow the dissemination of hate speech, intolerance and racism.
Agência Brasil
Folha Nobre - Desde 2013 - ©