The computer firm Apple has removed one of its iPhone apps called "Jew or Not Jew" from stores in France.
Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr told VOA Wednesday the app violates local law and is no longer available in France. He added, however, that the application is available in other Apple stores around the world.
The move came after French anti-racism group, SOS Racisme, called for Apple to remove the app, claiming it is racist and violates French law enacted in the years after the Holocaust.
The app, which is available in the United States and elsewhere in Europe for about $1, is designed to let users know which celebrities or business leaders are Jewish.
According to the iTunes online music store, the app, created by Johann Levy, is intended for fun and does "not aim to prove the superiority of any racial group."
The app has a Star of David logo and includes the categories "Popular Jews" and "Random Jew."
An app, short for application, is a popular digital shortcut for computers and mobile phones that lets users access particular information.
Launched August 9, the "Jew or Not Jew" app is advertised by iTunes on a special offer at 50 percent off, and starts with the following description: "This app is only intended for fun. Nothing more! Hey, did you know that Bob Dylan is Jewish? Of course I did! But was Marilyn Monroe really Jewish, and what about Harrison Ford?"
Some information for this report was provided by AP.
