Chinese Media Accuses Apple Of Not Doing Enough To Filter Illegal Content

If someone decides to use YouTube to post illegal content, whose fault is it, or rather who does the onus fall onto to prevent something like that from happening? Many have criticized YouTube in the past for allow such content to surface, and it looks like YouTube is not alone because over in China, Apple is facing similar criticisms.

In a report from The Wall Street Journal (paywall; via 9to5Mac), it appears that the state-run media in China have accused Apple of not doing enough to prevent illegal content from being distributed via its platform. This includes content such as porn, gambling, and promotion of counterfeit products. For example one of those criticisms claimed that Apple allowed gambling apps on its App Store that were disguised as an official lottery app.

Another criticism was leveled at Apple for iMessages where many iPhone users in China were being hit with spam messages via the service that were related to gambling. Now these aren’t just criticisms, but they also have implications behind them because according to Yang Zhaoquan, a lawyer with Beijing Vlaw Law Firm, authorities could potentially shut some of Apple’s functions down if they are found to be in violation.

Of course whether or not this will happen remains to be seen. Interestingly enough this is something that Apple is dealing with over in India as well. The company has been asked by the local government to allow an app that would prevent spam calls and messages, or potentially run the risk of the iPhone being banned from use on India’s carriers.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, Cellphones
Tags: iOS, iPhone, Legal