Apple Issues Warning Regarding 'hardcore porn apps' in the EU
The emergence of adult content apps on iPhones due to new digital regulations may undermine consumer trust, as stated by the US tech giant. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The Hot Tub adult content browser is now available for download on iPhones via a third-party app store, following the EU's digital regulations.
Apple has expressed strong disapproval regarding the introduction of this new app in the European Union, emphasizing that it can now be accessed on iPhones through alternative app stores due to the bloc's digital policies. AltStore PAL, an alternative app marketplace established under the EU's Digital Markets Act, launched Hot Tub this week, branding it as an adult content browser for iPhone users. The marketplace's developer claimed on social media that Hot Tub is “the world’s 1st Apple-approved porn app.”
In response, Apple dismissed these claims as “false statements,” insisting that it “certainly” does not endorse the app and “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,” said Apple spokesperson Peter Ajemian, as reported by The Verge. He highlighted that the company has “deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for EU users, especially kids,” cautioning that such applications could “undermine consumer trust and confidence in our ecosystem.”
As mandated by the DMA adopted in 2022, Apple had to modify its business practices and ease App Store restrictions, enabling users in the EU to download iPhone apps from third-party stores. Apple requires a basic review termed ‘notarization’ in its alternative app store process, which checks for cybersecurity threats like known malware but does not evaluate or approve the content of the apps.
Critics argue that Apple is being disingenuous in its criticism of the EU. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, pointed out that the iOS App Store hosts the Reddit app, which provides access to substantial amounts of pornography. “Apple knows this, permits it, and gave Reddit a 17+ rating and Editors Choice award,” he stated.
The company has voiced its opposition to the new regulations, asserting that they could lead to an increase in harmful services, including those related to pornography, illegal drugs, and other content it has historically prohibited from its App Store. In response to Apple’s criticisms, AltStore accused the tech giant of utilizing safety concerns to maintain its market dominance, stating, “Apple continues to use safety as a pretext to protect their monopoly power and evade compliance with the DMA.”
Sweeney also criticized Apple for its restrictions, noting that platforms like Windows, Mac, and Linux allow developers to release applications without such constraints. He reiterated that the iOS App Store includes the Reddit app, which provides access to pornographic content.
Apple has a policy against “overtly sexual or pornographic material” in its iOS store. Former CEO Steve Jobs once stated that the company held “a moral responsibility” to keep pornography off iPhones, suggesting that users should “buy an Android phone” instead.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
Apple has expressed strong disapproval regarding the introduction of this new app in the European Union, emphasizing that it can now be accessed on iPhones through alternative app stores due to the bloc's digital policies. AltStore PAL, an alternative app marketplace established under the EU's Digital Markets Act, launched Hot Tub this week, branding it as an adult content browser for iPhone users. The marketplace's developer claimed on social media that Hot Tub is “the world’s 1st Apple-approved porn app.”
In response, Apple dismissed these claims as “false statements,” insisting that it “certainly” does not endorse the app and “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,” said Apple spokesperson Peter Ajemian, as reported by The Verge. He highlighted that the company has “deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for EU users, especially kids,” cautioning that such applications could “undermine consumer trust and confidence in our ecosystem.”
As mandated by the DMA adopted in 2022, Apple had to modify its business practices and ease App Store restrictions, enabling users in the EU to download iPhone apps from third-party stores. Apple requires a basic review termed ‘notarization’ in its alternative app store process, which checks for cybersecurity threats like known malware but does not evaluate or approve the content of the apps.
Critics argue that Apple is being disingenuous in its criticism of the EU. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, pointed out that the iOS App Store hosts the Reddit app, which provides access to substantial amounts of pornography. “Apple knows this, permits it, and gave Reddit a 17+ rating and Editors Choice award,” he stated.
The company has voiced its opposition to the new regulations, asserting that they could lead to an increase in harmful services, including those related to pornography, illegal drugs, and other content it has historically prohibited from its App Store. In response to Apple’s criticisms, AltStore accused the tech giant of utilizing safety concerns to maintain its market dominance, stating, “Apple continues to use safety as a pretext to protect their monopoly power and evade compliance with the DMA.”
Sweeney also criticized Apple for its restrictions, noting that platforms like Windows, Mac, and Linux allow developers to release applications without such constraints. He reiterated that the iOS App Store includes the Reddit app, which provides access to pornographic content.
Apple has a policy against “overtly sexual or pornographic material” in its iOS store. Former CEO Steve Jobs once stated that the company held “a moral responsibility” to keep pornography off iPhones, suggesting that users should “buy an Android phone” instead.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
