Apple on Monday criticized a pornography app available on iPhones in the European Union, saying that BLOC’s digital policy was reducing consumer confidence in Apple.
Since it first opened the app store on iPhones in 2008, Apple has controlled which apps can be downloaded in 2010 with the then-CEO Steve Jobs on equipment. Major inspiration to act as a gatekeeper.
In the European Union, Apple’s gatekeeper’s position changed with the adoption of the 2022 Digital Markets Act (DMA), which required Apple to allow an alternative app store. One of those shops called Altstore, has begun to distribute an app called Hot Tub, which describes itself as “a private, safe and elegant way to browse adult materials”.
In a statement, Apple said that it is “deeply concerned about the safety risks that this type of hardcore porn apps are made for users of the European Union, especially for children. This app and others such as such as it is our ecosystem In the consumer will weaken confidence and trust. “
Altstore stated that it received support from the “Fortnite” video game producer epic Games, which pursued a no -confidence complaint against Apple. Altstore stated that it uses funding that Apple has done to pay fee at alternative app stores, which are subject to investigation by the European Union, according to media reports.
As part of its alternative app store process, Apple still requires apps to undergo a baseline review called “notaryization”, which checks for cyber security hazards such as known malware, but the contents of the app Does not involve the approval.
Altstore stated that the hot tub was noticed by Apple and in a post on X, the app was described as the “world’s 1 Apple-approved porn app”, which enhances Apple’s IRE.
Apple said in a statement, “Unlike the false statements made by the marketplace developer, we certainly do not approve this app and will never present it in our app store.” “The truth is that we need to allow it to be distributed by the European Commission.”
Altstore stated that comments on X were in terms of apple’s notarization decision, and the hot tub questioned Altstore.
In a post on X, Tim Sweeny, Chief Executive Officer of Epic Games said that his firm has supported laws like DMA because “when Apple is allowed to be a competitive app and stores gatekeepers, they are of that power The misuse that is for damage to competition. “
He said that Epic’s own app store in the European Union, which was rolled out last year, is not taking the hot tub app and has never hosted the porn app.
Âİ Thomson Reuters 2025
