Apple Issues Warning About "Hardcore Porn Apps” in the EU
According to the US tech giant, the introduction of adult content apps on iPhones under new digital regulations may undermine consumer trust. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The Hot Tub adult content browser is now available for download on iPhones through a third-party app store that operates under the EU's digital regulations.
U.S. tech giant Apple has criticized the launch of this new pornography app in the EU, accessible on iPhones via alternative app stores as a result of the bloc’s Digital Markets Act. The AltStore PAL, an alternative app marketplace, announced Hot Tub this week, touting it as an adult content browser for iPhones. The developer indicated in a social media post on Monday that Hot Tub is “the world’s 1st Apple-approved porn app.”
Apple countered these claims, stating that it rejects the “false statements” and asserts that it “certainly” does not approve of the app, emphasizing it “would never offer it in our App Store.”
“The truth is that we are required by the European Commission to allow it to be distributed by marketplace operators like AltStore and Epic who may not share our concerns for user safety,” Apple spokesperson Peter Ajemian was quoted as stating by The Verge.
Ajemian expressed that the company is “deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for EU users, especially kids,” and warned that such apps would “undermine consumer trust and confidence in our ecosystem.”
The Digital Markets Act, adopted in 2022, compels Apple to modify its business practices and ease App Store restrictions, enabling users across the 27-member EU to download iPhone apps from third-party stores. As part of its alternative app store protocol, Apple requires a fundamental review process known as ‘notarization,’ which checks for cybersecurity threats but does not evaluate or approve the content of apps.
Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, criticized Apple’s stance, arguing that the iOS App Store allows the Reddit app, which contains extensive pornographic content. He pointed out, “Apple knows this, permits it, and gave Reddit a 17+ rating and Editors Choice award.”
The company has raised concerns that these new regulations may lead to the proliferation of services deemed harmful, including those providing pornography and illegal substances, which Apple has traditionally prohibited from its App Store.
In response to Apple’s critiques, AltStore accused the tech giant of using safety arguments as a pretext to preserve its market dominance. “Apple continues to use safety as a pretext to protect their monopoly power and evade compliance with the DMA,” stated the marketplace.
Sweeney also highlighted that platforms like Windows, Mac, and Linux permit developers to release apps without restrictions. He reiterated that the iOS App Store hosts the Reddit app, which gives access to pornographic content, underscoring the inconsistency in Apple’s policies.
Apple maintains a ban on “overtly sexual or pornographic material” in its iOS store. Former CEO Steve Jobs famously claimed the company had “a moral responsibility” to keep pornography off iPhones, suggesting users should “buy an Android phone” instead.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
U.S. tech giant Apple has criticized the launch of this new pornography app in the EU, accessible on iPhones via alternative app stores as a result of the bloc’s Digital Markets Act. The AltStore PAL, an alternative app marketplace, announced Hot Tub this week, touting it as an adult content browser for iPhones. The developer indicated in a social media post on Monday that Hot Tub is “the world’s 1st Apple-approved porn app.”
Apple countered these claims, stating that it rejects the “false statements” and asserts that it “certainly” does not approve of the app, emphasizing it “would never offer it in our App Store.”
“The truth is that we are required by the European Commission to allow it to be distributed by marketplace operators like AltStore and Epic who may not share our concerns for user safety,” Apple spokesperson Peter Ajemian was quoted as stating by The Verge.
Ajemian expressed that the company is “deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for EU users, especially kids,” and warned that such apps would “undermine consumer trust and confidence in our ecosystem.”
The Digital Markets Act, adopted in 2022, compels Apple to modify its business practices and ease App Store restrictions, enabling users across the 27-member EU to download iPhone apps from third-party stores. As part of its alternative app store protocol, Apple requires a fundamental review process known as ‘notarization,’ which checks for cybersecurity threats but does not evaluate or approve the content of apps.
Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, criticized Apple’s stance, arguing that the iOS App Store allows the Reddit app, which contains extensive pornographic content. He pointed out, “Apple knows this, permits it, and gave Reddit a 17+ rating and Editors Choice award.”
The company has raised concerns that these new regulations may lead to the proliferation of services deemed harmful, including those providing pornography and illegal substances, which Apple has traditionally prohibited from its App Store.
In response to Apple’s critiques, AltStore accused the tech giant of using safety arguments as a pretext to preserve its market dominance. “Apple continues to use safety as a pretext to protect their monopoly power and evade compliance with the DMA,” stated the marketplace.
Sweeney also highlighted that platforms like Windows, Mac, and Linux permit developers to release apps without restrictions. He reiterated that the iOS App Store hosts the Reddit app, which gives access to pornographic content, underscoring the inconsistency in Apple’s policies.
Apple maintains a ban on “overtly sexual or pornographic material” in its iOS store. Former CEO Steve Jobs famously claimed the company had “a moral responsibility” to keep pornography off iPhones, suggesting users should “buy an Android phone” instead.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
