The iphone, or any camera can be used to send pictures that are way more offensive and adult in nature than a simple ADULT comedy show. My opinion, parents need to be the censors. I know they can't be around all the time, but they need to have more sense than give a kid an iPhone or an ipod. If the kid is old enough to pay for that stuff himself though, he's probably watching south park anyway.
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'South Park' Application Rejected From App Store
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Kids can already use the current iteration of the iPhone to access porn. There are tons of iPhone-based web apps for this purpose alone. Lots of these sites will even stream video. And.........wait for it......yes, kids can even load these sites while in class! The horror!
All joking aside, objectionable content is already readily available on the iPhone to anyone who wants it. Rejecting this app doesn't protect Apple (or their reputation) from this fact. It just further alienates their developer base which will ultimately hurt YOU -- the end user.
Apple's current stance on jailbreaking: http://consumerist.com/5153597/appl...orthy-of-jail-time-2500-fine?skyline=true&s=x
Your tone aside, I agree with you to a point. Apple can sell whatever they want in their store. But once I buy the phone, I should be able to do whatever I want to it. And if I don't like the service provided by Apple there are many alternatives, but that doesn't change the fact that I own the hardware. And please, let's not compare the FCC and broadcast TV to the App Store. The content for those is regulated by the Governement because they use public airwaves. If anything, this the iPhone ecosystem is more like cable TV, where there is no government content regulation (Even though this comparison is crappy as well since neither of these examples sell you or control the hardware you use. If you bought your TV from the FCC and they told you that you could not do what you want with the TV even though you bought it, it might be a viable comparison.).
And since when is Apple the decency police? I'd rather have parents be responsible for what their children are doing. This "OMG, won't someone please think of the children" stuff is a bunch of crap and you know it.
An iPhone can reach places on the internet that are not good for children either. Why doesn't Apple block any websites if this whole issue is about protecting the precious little children?
This is the reason why Apple needs to create a separate iPhone Game section on the iTunes store, and implement ESRB rating for the US store.
But pretty much for now, Viacom is pretty much banned from BEING in the iPhone developer program.
I think the rejection was done by Steve Jobs.
But pretty much for now, Viacom is pretty much banned from BEING in the iPhone developer program.
I think the rejection was done by Steve Jobs.
But it all comes down to liability. If Apple allows offensive material through "their" distribution channel aka the App store, they are liable. If a kid accesses objectionable material from the internet using another distribution channel on the internet but just happens to be on an iPhone, that is a completely different situation.
Just because objectionable content is easily accessible doesn't mean Apple wouldn't/shouldn't be liable should that content be distributed through their channels.
You can.
You can disable Safari via Parental Control.
Many parents who let their kids have iPhone DO NOT even know that it has built in parental control that lets them disable Safari, YouTube, Explicit Songs on iPod, iTunes, App Store, and even Camera. And the best part, if the kid tries to type in passcode, and they get it wrong 10 times, they have the option to have the whole data from the phone wiped clean, and locked until synced with iTunes.
I'm a Mac guy, we're about to add a third Mac to our house (Mac Pro for high capacity media server/gaming) and my wife and I both have iPhones. And yes sometimes I'm a bit much of an Apple fanboy defending them at every turn but this kind of draconian control makes me think twice about getting future iPhone models if Apple is going to continue this way.
I can watch all the south park epsiodes I buy off iTunes on my iPhone but an app from a TV show thats proved lucrative for iTunes isn't allowed for the same content Apple profits off of in iTunes?
I can watch all the south park epsiodes I buy off iTunes on my iPhone but an app from a TV show thats proved lucrative for iTunes isn't allowed for the same content Apple profits off of in iTunes?
Liable for what?
And using your example, then AT&T should be liable if a kid uses Safari on the iPhone to access "objectionable" content because they provide the distribution channel.
If my kid stays up late and watches South Park is Comcast Liable or Comedy Central?
This whole nonsense is nothing but noise anyway. It is not preventing kids from doing anything.
Apparently, iLunar is the only person in this thread that has successfully read between the lines.
It's NOT that Apple is censoring the app, it's that they are not finished with implementing parental controls FOR the app store. As soon as they are done with that, they can move on.
Currently, Apple IS liable for nearly all of the content that is on the App Store. Because, they provide the channel AND collect revenue (remember 30% goes to them!) from individual app sales. Thus, they can be held liable through varying degrees for the content.
As for those of you that think that it's nonsense and can't happen, don't forget about FEPA! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Entertainment_Protection_Act
Need evidence that this is the case for Apple's rejection? Re-read the quote silly.
Why would Apple encourage them by citing an instance (the allowing of explicit content on iTunes) that was eventually resolved? Duh. Because, then, like now, they did not have parental controls and/or had finished conducting surveys on whether or not to allow questionable content. Fortunately, that was eventually resolved and we can all now enjoy the vulgarity.
It's NOT that Apple is censoring the app, it's that they are not finished with implementing parental controls FOR the app store. As soon as they are done with that, they can move on.
Currently, Apple IS liable for nearly all of the content that is on the App Store. Because, they provide the channel AND collect revenue (remember 30% goes to them!) from individual app sales. Thus, they can be held liable through varying degrees for the content.
As for those of you that think that it's nonsense and can't happen, don't forget about FEPA! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Entertainment_Protection_Act
Need evidence that this is the case for Apple's rejection? Re-read the quote silly.
Why would Apple encourage them by citing an instance (the allowing of explicit content on iTunes) that was eventually resolved? Duh. Because, then, like now, they did not have parental controls and/or had finished conducting surveys on whether or not to allow questionable content. Fortunately, that was eventually resolved and we can all now enjoy the vulgarity.
I think the rejection may have more to do with the fact that the app would stream content that you'd otherwise have to pay for (via the iTunes store). Maybe Apple is holding off until the "iTunes Replay" On-Demand Video service is ready.
AppleInsider reports that Apple is developing an on-demand video service that would allow users to stream their purchased iTunes movies and TV shows from Apple's servers for playback on personal devices. The service, to be called "iTunes Replay", would eliminate the need for users to provide significant storage space for their libraries of purchased digital video.
In particular, devices with limited storage capacity, such as the iPhone/iPod touch and Apple TV, could benefit from this service, removing the need to sync with a host computer to load desired video files and circumventing storage capacity constraints of the portable devices.AppleInsider notes that while Amazon's Video on Demand and Netflix's Instant Watch services provide similar functionality, DRM requirements imposed by content owners have resulted in certain limitations on playback ability, generally requiring an Internet browser. Apple, however, has already integrated DRM tools into its devices, which would allow for a more flexible viewing experience for users.
Apple has been known to be exploring streaming iTunes media to the iPhone and iPod touch, with a recent patent application addressing the ability for users to stream their own at-home iTunes libraries to their mobile devices while on the go.
Article Link: 'iTunes Replay' On-Demand Video Coming?
Apparently, iLunar is the only person in this thread that has successfully read between the lines.
It's NOT that Apple is censoring the app, it's that they are not finished with implementing parental controls FOR the app store. As soon as they are done with that, they can move on.
Currently, Apple IS liable for nearly all of the content that is on the App Store. Because, they provide the channel AND collect revenue (remember 30% goes to them!) from individual app sales. Thus, they can be held liable through varying degrees for the content.
As for those of you that think that it's nonsense and can't happen, don't forget about FEPA! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Entertainment_Protection_Act
Need evidence that this is the case for Apple's rejection? Re-read the quote silly.
Why would Apple encourage them by citing an instance (the allowing of explicit content on iTunes) that was eventually resolved? Duh. Because, then, like now, they did not have parental controls and/or had finished conducting surveys on whether or not to allow questionable content. Fortunately, that was eventually resolved and we can all now enjoy the vulgarity.
Not trying to be rude but what about Amateur Surgeon:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=299186925&mt=8
It has a disclaimer and a rating.
and the app store game ratings section, is this based off a standardized game rating system?
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/gameRatings
If so too bad that South Park was interested in jumping through hoops to relabel their app as a game to get it on the app store quicker.
Interesting find, I was not aware that Apple had a game rating system in place.
Well, if the app was not labeled as a game, then that would give Apple enough justification for not hosting it until they've decided to figure out/extend the system to all apps.
Consider the possibility that the South Park guys deliberately wrote
the application to be so offensive that it would be rejected. There
will indeed be an episode about the rejection. It is indeed a publicity
stunt, but by the South Park guys, not Apple.
the application to be so offensive that it would be rejected. There
will indeed be an episode about the rejection. It is indeed a publicity
stunt, but by the South Park guys, not Apple.
And what a hilarious episode it will be.. the show airing on the same date the app will be officially released in the App Store...
That's nice. How does that make the phone work with OS X, have a usable UI, work effectively as an MP3 player that I can sync to with iTMS? What about fact that those allegedly "open" phones are often locked down to a carrier's online store for purchasing ringtones for 3-4 bucks. I speak from experience with previous phones that I had on Roger which I could not add my own ringtones onto.
Go right ahead and go back to using your crappy phone with overpriced Java games with 2d graphics.
Where are all of these tons of Java apps that you speak of? How much do they cost and how much to they cost to download? Remember that most phones that are java based are usually not "smart phones" and are usually not bundled with data plans.
"Hail to the king, baby!"
It always blows me away that Apple can do whatever fascist crap they won't, and there will still be someone here who will defend them with his last drop of blood. For some, Apple just can't do anything wrong.
This is just another reason to boycott that big brother iPhone platform. And I've lost count how many reasons there have already been before Apple did not approve this little app.
Or to bring it to the point: This entire AppStore concept is reason enough to NOT buy an iPhone or iPod Touch. I want to install whatever app -- I -- want -- WITHOUT -- having to go through Apple's AppStore. This is yet another anti-competitive control measure from Apple. Microsoft can learn a lot from them. Especially how to be evil and still have fanboys.
It always blows me away that Apple can do whatever fascist crap they won't, and there will still be someone here who will defend them with his last drop of blood. For some, Apple just can't do anything wrong.
This is just another reason to boycott that big brother iPhone platform. And I've lost count how many reasons there have already been before Apple did not approve this little app.
Or to bring it to the point: This entire AppStore concept is reason enough to NOT buy an iPhone or iPod Touch. I want to install whatever app -- I -- want -- WITHOUT -- having to go through Apple's AppStore. This is yet another anti-competitive control measure from Apple. Microsoft can learn a lot from them. Especially how to be evil and still have fanboys.
No, AT&T is protected by DCMA from 1996. AT&T is not hosting or distributing objectionable content, Apple would be in the App store.
If Comedy Central failed to put up appropriate warnings out lined by the FCC, then yes, they would be held liable. Remember Janet Jackson/Superbowl/Nipplegate fiasco? That case has yet to be settled.
Don't forget that they are the SOLE outlet for iPhone software (short of hacking) *AND* they rake 30% right off the top to boot. The point is they never should be allowed to monopolize ANY market like that, whether it be the software for the iPhone or the hardware for OS X. But fanboyz galore think it's A-OK because Apple "owns" that property (intellectual or otherwise) and they are 'allowed' to do ANYTHING they want with it whether you like it or not if you don't, go buy someone else's product and leave the fanboyz alone with their censored hardware.
