UpScrolled returns to Google Play after brief suspension

UpScrolled, the social media application developed as an alternative to TikTok by Palestinian-Australian software engineer Issam Hijazi, has been restored to the Google Play Store after a temporary suspension, the company announced Sunday. The platform confirmed its return on X, stating: "It's official… We're back together! Google Play reinstated".

The brief removal came after the app experienced an extraordinary surge in users, growing from approximately 150,000 to millions within a single week following TikTok's ownership changes in the United States. On Saturday, the company had posted: "Looks like Google Play put our relationship on pause this Valentine's Day. Our app is currently unavailable for download on the Play Store. We are taking this seriously and working closely with the Google Play Team to resolve this" .

Moderation Challenges During Rapid Growth

The suspension was linked to difficulties managing content moderation amid explosive user growth. UpScrolled acknowledged it faced challenges controlling material that violated community rules, stating it has expanded its moderation team and is developing an advanced content control system. The company emphasized it is cooperating fully with Google Play to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Founded in June 2025, UpScrolled gained international attention after concerns emerged about alleged censorship on mainstream platforms, particularly regarding pro-Palestinian content. Hijazi, who was born in Jordan and raised in Australia, said he created the platform after observing what he described as the suppression of content related to Gaza during Israel's military offensive.

Platform Principles and Growth

UpScrolled describes itself as a fusion of Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), with a chronological feed rather than algorithm-driven ranking. The company promotes its policy of allowing diverse content without engaging in shadowbanning or selective censorship.

Hijazi criticized major tech corporations at the recent Web Summit Qatar, accusing them of unethical data practices and biased censorship against certain users. "They don't care about selling your data to someone else if that means profit for them," he stated, adding that platforms design features to keep users addicted.

The app's rapid rise coincided with TikTok's restructuring in the United States, where a consortium including Oracle and Silver Lake acquired majority ownership. Some users expressed concern over potential political influence and data practices under the new ownership structure.

Following reinstatement, UpScrolled continues to position itself as a platform where "every voice gets equal power" and promises "no shadowbans. No algorithmic games. No pay-to-play favouritism".