The 404 Media Podcast The Crackdown on ICE Spotting Apps (with Joshua Aaron)
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Nov 3, 2025 
In a gripping conversation, Joshua Aaron, creator of the ICEBlock app and a technologist with a background in music, discusses the app's crucial role in crowdsourcing ICE sightings. He shares the inspiration for ICEBlock and the surprising media attention that skyrocketed its user base. After its removal by Apple at the DOJ's behest, Joshua challenges the reasons behind this crackdown and defends user privacy and community safety. His insights into the impact of tech on civil rights and the ongoing fight for reinstatement are both thought-provoking and inspiring.
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Crowdsourced Early-Warning For ICE Sightings
- IceBlock is a crowdsourced early-warning map that notifies users within five miles of a reported ICE sighting.
- Joshua built it to let people avoid encounters and increase community safety.
Idea Sparked By Political Shift
- Joshua conceived IceBlock after watching political rhetoric escalate and reading Project 2025.
- He picked the idea he thought would help the most people the night of the election.
Simplicity And Anonymity As Core Design
- Joshua prioritized user anonymity and extreme simplicity when designing IceBlock.
- He deliberately avoided accounts, moderation, and flashy UI to reduce risk and maximize usability.