Google has removed an app developed by the Taliban from the Google Play Store for Android smartphones and tablets, designed to spread the militant group's propaganda.

The app, "Pashto Afghan News - alemarah", displayed news and videos developed by the Taliban. It was discovered on Friday and taken down shortly after.

It violated Google's rules on hate speech, which say: "We don't allow apps that advocate against groups of people based on their race or ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender, age, nationality, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity".