Google bans Andrew Tate's 'The Real World' app over 'pyramid scheme' allegations: 'They’re scamming vulnerable kids'
BUCHAREST ROMANIA: Andrew Tate, the polarizing influencer, has recently grabbed headlines due to the Google's ban on his extensive project, 'The Real World,' for its alleged involvement in a pyramid scheme.
'The Real World', a community headed by Tate, purportedly offers insights into wealth creation strategies and serves as a source of motivation for young individuals striving for success.
Tate contends that 'The Real World' not only aids in achieving financial success but also in cultivating a more masculine persona, aspiring to reach the status of a 'Top G' like him.
This initiative is an integral component of Tate's so-called "Hustler's University."
Andrew Tate's 'The Real World' app accused of being 'pyramid scheme'
Google has removed Tate's online "learning platform" from Google Play due to allegations that his app, The Real World, is a pyramid scheme exploiting teenagers and promoting misogynistic ideology.
The removal of Tate's app has put pressure on Apple to take similar action. Apple has not, however, taken any steps in response to campaigners' concerns yet.
The Real World markets itself as a community focused on wealth creation and acquisition, formerly known as "Hustlers University."
It offers business and entrepreneurship classes, video lessons, and mentorship from supposed "multi-millionaire experts" on topics like copywriting, e-commerce, crypto, and stocks.
It targets a younger audience and claims that for a monthly subscription fee of $49.99, members can quickly earn over $10,000 per month and escape what Tate calls "the Matrix," referring to systems controlling mainstream society.
According to Vice News, despite facing serious allegations, Tate's app remains popular among young men, with many users, including teenagers, sinking in their earnings into the app and encouraging others to join too.
According to Vice News, the app had over 220,000 users on its dedicated Discord channel last year, and it was downloaded over 100,000 times on Google Play. While the exact number of subscribers is unknown, it is estimated to generate substantial monthly earnings for Tate and his associates.
The website promoting The Real World explicitly states that there are no age restrictions for membership. It offers prospective recruits the promise of "surprising your family and friends by elevating yourself in real life, rather than just in a video game."
According to Vice News, critics argue that The Real World operates as a pyramid scheme, with members primarily earning income by recruiting new members into the network.
Nathan Pope, a 34-year-old Australian man, initiated a petition calling for app stores and payment gateways to cease working with The Real World, gathering over 9,000 signatures.
Pope expressed concern about Apple's lack of response, emphasizing that public awareness is essential if they are complicit in potential crimes.
According to Vice News, Pope said that while he was happy to see “Google's response to the exploitation of The Real World app, and was shocked by Apple's apparent lack of response or care. If they are being complicit in these potential crimes, it is important that the public is made aware.”
As reported by Vice News, Pope argued that the educational content offered by The Real World held little value and resembled material readily available for free on platforms like YouTube and others.
Instead, it appeared that The Real World's primary purpose was to operate as a large-scale pyramid scheme, generating revenue for both its owners and users primarily through the recruitment of new members.
This recruitment process was facilitated through The Real World's "affiliate marketing program" as per Pope, who was interviewed by Vice News. Members were told to vigorously promote Tate and his website by inundating platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube with repurposed video content featuring Tate.
They included a distinctive registration link and received a 48 percent sales commission for each recruit who joined the site through their provided link.
According to Vice News, Pope said, "They’re scamming vulnerable kids. To me, it’s a pyramid scheme."
Crtics call out Apple for not taking action on Andrew Tate's 'The Real World' app
Jack Beeston, an associate at a law firm handling a case against Tate in the UK, believes The Real World could be a pyramid scheme and is being used to fund criminal activities.
Apple's strict app guidelines and moral stance raise questions about why The Real World remains on the platform.
As per Vice News, Beeston said, "Historically, Apple has been very strict about what apps it agrees to publish and has taken a moral stance on. It is hard to see what the justification is for The Real World to remain on the platform.”
As per Vice News, Pope expressed significant concern about the website, particularly because it seemed to have a deliberate focus on teenagers and even younger minor children. Beeston echoed this concern, emphasizing that this aspect raised serious legal and moral questions.
A Google representative told Vice News, “When we're notified of an app that may break our Google Play policies, we review it and take action if necessary, which may include suspending the app."
Tate's attorney, Joe McBride, shared promotional videos and testimonials countering the allegations against The Real World, asserting that claims of criminality or danger are unfounded.
Tate himself has denied that his affiliate marketing program is a pyramid scheme.
As per Vice News, Tate's attorney McBride said, "You may not agree with Andrew and Tristan Tate’s message. But it is madness to suggest that their message of male empowerment rises to the level of criminality or dangerousness.”