Google & Microsoft Join Apple & Swap Gun Emoji for a Water Pistol

Google has become the latest tech company to get rid of the gun emoji on its platform.

The company has replaced it with a water pistol emoji to make it “less threatening.”

Apple initiated the movement back in 2016, and tech companies including Twitter and Samsung have also made the change.

The new policies come after police violence, mass shootings and homicides in America have continued to fuel debates regarding gun control.

Bumble has recently banned photographs of guns, and YouTube has also reacted by amending its policy to prohibit content on the platform which sells firearms or tells viewers how to manufacture a firearm.

On the emoji update, a Gun Control Network spokesperson commented: “All those who have been traumatised by gun threats and gun violence will be grateful for this significant gesture of respect and support.”