Apple recently removed apps of a sexual nature from the App Store. I was thrilled to hear this. I hate flicking through a list of apps, only to be slapped in the face with some impertinent, out-of-place app that has no reason being there.
The latest and rather unfortunate rumors suggest that Apple will be creating an “Explicit” category for app submission. I assume, gratefully, that this category can probably be blocked.
I decided to send Apple some feedback. Companies that make good choices should be praised and validated. Apple made a right choice, but likely due to pressure from salacious content providers, they are buckling and providing a new channel for such content.
Here is what I wrote to Apple:
I wish to applaud you for your recent efforts to remove the sexually explicit content from the App Store. This is a noble and praiseworthy thing to do.
Steve Jobs said in his keynote regarding the App Store that Apple would not allow porn. You have hitherto allowed yourselves to get sucked into the morally relative battle of what exactly is “porn”, and sexual content of varying degrees of offensiveness has crept into the App Store.
Rumors are now flying that you will be creating an “Explicit” category for such content. While I find this measure unnecessary (I believe the entire category should be precluded from submission permanently), I assume this will be something that can be voluntarily blocked by users.
There are diverse ways a person can consume sexual material. You need not taint your otherwise delightful App Store with such. I say do away with it entirely.
Thank you for your time.
Take the time to send Apple your viewpoint. Good things happen when lots of people speak up, and we need not be swayed by any perception that no one else feels the same way. Obviously enough people (probably parents of kids with iPod Touches) complained to Apple to initiate this in the first place.