Apple Continues War On Smut – Apps Rejected Due To Screenshots

smut-graffiti-FINAL About two weeks ago, we reported that Apple began a massive App Store sweep by removing once approved smut applications. Apple stated these apps were banished due to customer complaints for inappropriate content (showing too much skin). While the exact criteria for “too much skin” is unknown, pasties and hand bra apps were the biggest casualties … currently there are none left in the store. Apple’s reversal in policy came without notice, completely blindsiding developers.

And it doesn’t end there … the blindsiding smut clean up continues. Applications are now being rejected for displaying objectionable preview screenshots. Below is the email Apple is currently sending developers, informing them that … “the application screenshots must meet the requirements for a 4+ rating since these images are visible on the App Store by all users even when purchasing is restricted by the application’s rating.”

Thank you for submitting your application to the App Store. Unfortunately, xxxxx xxxxxx cannot be posted to the App Store at this time because the screenshots provided contain content that is objectionable for certain age groups. This is in violation of Section 3.3.14 from the iPhone Developer Program License Agreement that states:

 

"Applications may be rejected if they contain content or materials of any kind (text, graphics, images, photographs, sounds, etc.) that in Apple’s reasonable judgment may be found objectionable, for example, materials that may be considered obscene, pornographic, or defamatory."

 

The application screenshots must meet the requirements for a 4+ rating (no objectionable material) since these images are visible on the App Store by all users even when  purchasing is restricted by the application’s rating. The inappropriate images have been attached for your reference.

 

While your iTunes Connect Application State is displayed as Rejected, it is not necessary to upload a new binary.  Once you have made the necessary modifications, please reply to this email and we will proceed with your application review.

 

Sincerely,
iPhone App Review Team

Interesting that Ars Technica, The Big Money and Fraser Speirs all had recent articles identifying the problem of soft-core pornography being visible in the App Store. KRAPPS has also covered the matter in our “iTunes – Featuring Sexually Explicit Descriptions For All To Read” and “App Descriptions Gone Wild” articles. So perhaps Apple is listening … yet they  have a LONG way to go. Just today, a pair of Yau’s Asian Boobs applications were approved with the following screenshots …

yaus-1  yaus-2

And of course there’s plenty of non 4+ rated screenshots in the Lifestyle section of the App Store … everything from the Amateur Thongs screenshots to Caribbean Sex Fantasies (do app names also fall under the 4+ rating scrutiny? are those girls twins?).

Amateur-Thongs  Caribbean-Sex-Fantasies

Oh … since Apple now approves sex position apps, they’ll have to deal with the 69 Positions app, iKamasutra and many more.

69-Positions  iKamasutra

At the current rate, 4+ rated screenshots seems like a tall order for Apple to fulfill, especially given Apple’s history of inconsistent policy enforcement . But perhaps some day pre-schoolers will be able to peruse the App Store without being enlightened to the benefits of the Missionary position. Gee, here’s an idea … program the parental controls to disable not only the purchasing, but also viewing of restricted apps in iTunes. Come on Apple … if you can make an iPad, certainly you can handle this bit of programming … it’s all about being revolutionary, right?

Comments

  • Apple can't handle porn? then why would they build an iPad?

  • BeFree

    I can see why there were complaints. I'd be browsing the list of top entertainment apps with my kids and there were boobs, ass, etc. in the top 25. I don't want my kids seeing this.

    What Apple needs to do is create a password protected/age verification section called “Adult,” “Mature,” or “17+” where all these apps reside and my kids won't see when casually browsing the top 25 apps.

    I don't like the idea of Apple censoring what they think is and isn't objectionable. There are too many grey areas and is too difficult to enforce fairly and equitably. I'd like to see all these apps available for adults to decide if they want them or not.

  • exactly and totally agree. we've been harping on this for months … the
    preview screenshots and descriptions are way to much for little children.
    the speirs blog wrote how they are having a difficult time incorporating the
    app store into educational institutions due to the same issues as well.
    really can't see why apple simply doesn't shut off that part of the app
    store with the new parental controls functionality or with your password
    method described.

  • Apple can't handle porn? then why would they build an iPad?

  • BeFree

    I can see why there were complaints. I'd be browsing the list of top entertainment apps with my kids and there were boobs, ass, etc. in the top 25. I don't want my kids seeing this.

    What Apple needs to do is create a password protected/age verification section called “Adult,” “Mature,” or “17+” where all these apps reside and my kids won't see when casually browsing the top 25 apps.

    I don't like the idea of Apple censoring what they think is and isn't objectionable. There are too many grey areas and is too difficult to enforce fairly and equitably. I'd like to see all these apps available for adults to decide if they want them or not.

  • exactly and totally agree. we've been harping on this for months … the
    preview screenshots and descriptions are way to much for little children.
    the speirs blog wrote how they are having a difficult time incorporating the
    app store into educational institutions due to the same issues as well.
    really can't see why apple simply doesn't shut off that part of the app
    store with the new parental controls functionality or with your password
    method described.