Apple has strongly criticized the fact that a pornography app is available on iPhones in the European Union, blaming the EU’s new digital regulations for forcing it to allow third-party app store downloads. The company said that such rules undermine consumer trust and expose users to harmful content.
EU Digital Rules Allow Alternative App Stores
Controversy has swirled over AltStore PAL, a third-party app marketplace possible under the Digital Markets Act, a landmark EU law aimed at curbing the power of Big Tech companies. Such regulation compels Apple and other leaders of the tech industry to open their platforms to competitive app stores, thus giving the users who use these digital giants many choices in addition to the official Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
AltStore PAL recently launched an adult content browser called Hot Tub, dubbing it the “world’s first Apple-approved porn app.” However, Apple responded quickly, claiming that it doesn’t support such apps.
Apple Responds to Third-Party App Distribution
In a statement, Apple noted that the presence of adult content apps “undermines consumer trust” in its ecosystem. The company stated:
Contrary to the false statements made by the marketplace developer, we certainly do not approve of this 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.
Apple clarified that while all apps on third-party marketplaces must go through its notarization process, this does not equate to an endorsement of the content.
AltStore and Epic Games FireBack
AltStore, which is funded by a grant from Epic Games, has rained criticism of the alleged safety concerns being used by Apple to maintain a stranglehold over its app distribution.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney didn’t even mention Tim Cook’s name but criticized Apple and said other platforms like Windows and Linux do not impose such rules or charge extra for publishing their apps.
Safety Issues and Regulatory Compliance
For years, Apple has opposed the DMA on grounds that it would expose European users to risks such as pornography, the illegal sale of drugs, and other kind of harmful information. In its latest statement, the company reasserted its claims, warning about the dangers such apps could pose, particularly to minors.
The European Commission is yet to respond to Apple’s claims, but the debate presents the much-debated issue between regulators and tech giants as the EU continues to push for greater competition in digital markets.
