iPhone App Controversy Continues

In the past several days, there has been a news outbreak about a recently removed iPhone app that allowed for inappropriate images to be published on their app. The application was called BeautyMeter, developed by Braun Software, functioned on the iPhone like the website Hot or Not. Users would upload pictures of themselves in order for others to rate their looks. While that in and of itself was not in conflict with Apple’s strict application review process, the controversy arose when a user of the free application posted a nude picture of herself.

Because Apple functions as a “family friendly” company, soon after they removed the app. Shortly after, the developers of BeautyMeter released a statement saying they fully agreed with Apple’s decision for the removal of their application, and that their user agreement was broken when she posted the inappropriate image.

This comes as the latest in a growing line of applications that initially pass the Apple review process, yet still seem to raise eyebrows and question the intentions of the app after its release. But all the blame, if any, should not lie with Apple. The offending user posted the image on her own accord, for no other reason than to get herself rated. With the increase in applications and updates submitted to Apple, it will become harder and harder for the company, with such a thorough and laborious review process to not be able to cover all the applications. In fact, it would be impossible to have complete coverage of all the applications now being submitted, as the iPhone is the number one system mobile developers are attempting to publish for.

And for those out there that may question the safety or appropriateness of applications now out on the iTunes App Store, the latest update included parental controls to relegate the types of applications available for purchase and download. As any new medium for expression and development, there will always be some controversial items and situations, and with Apple’s review policies in place, the amount of undesirable and potentially offensive apps should be kept to a minimum.