This past spring, over 100,000 people signed an online petition asking Apple to remove an app from the iTunes store.
The app claimed to be from an “anti-gay” Christian organization, Exodus International.
Basically, the app was a portable version of their website. It included a calendar of events, news, links, social media and videos – all reflecting the stance of Exodus International’s stance that someone can be counseled away from homosexuality.
Apple deemed the app offensive and removed it. Apple spokesman Tom Neuymayr said,
We removed the Exodus International app from the App Store because it violates the developer guidelines by being offensive to large groups of people.
Let’s overlook the nature of the app and inspect the situation.
Freedom of Speech
Many have cried “foul,” saying that the removal of the app violated freedom of speech. The truth of the matter is, there’s no violation. This is a private company acting solely in whatever interests they choose to do so. If they want to remove an iPhone app, they can do as they please. Freedom of speech is something that can be taken away by a government, not a corporation. This is not a freedom of speech violation.
Boycotts
I’ve never liked boycotts and I’ve never been much of a fan for petitions. As a kid, I remember hearing about boycotts on Christian radio. I think there’s greater and lasting power in loving your neighbor than refusing to do business with them. I find it a tad ironic that the same tactic used in the past (and today) by Christians, has swung around and slapped us in the face.
Bigger Picture
A similar situation arose last year when an “anti-gay” app was removed after 7,000 petitioned for its removal. Apple said,
… it violated its developer guidelines by “being offensive to large groups of people.”
With only 7,000 weighing-in, what other apps could be removed?
YouVersion? Olive Tree BibleReader? Clips?
How many find the Bible offensive?
Is removing apps from an iPhone the same as burning books?
Perhaps, it is what it is, and Apple can do as they please.
[via Mashable & Exodus International]
Littlewarrior says
Does this mean all pro and anti-gay apps could be disappearing for being offensive to the ‘other side’ regardless of your starting point?
It think it highlights an issue of competition law with apple being allowed to ‘close shop’ fickly.mit’s my phone? If I want s pro or anti-gay app
Eric Dye says
I think Apple chooses the starting point.
Ben Miller says
And this is the problem with a closed system. You say it is not a freedom of speech violation. And you are correct that it is not a violation of the US Constitution First Amendment. However, the only reason that we can say it is not a violation of freedom of speech is that freedom of speech does not exist in the Apple App Store. The App Store is a dictatorship, with Apple dictating what happens there.
Right or wrong, it is important that we understand the freedoms that we give away when we use and develop for iPhones and iPads.
Littlewarrior says
Definitely competition law over freedom of speech laws
Raoul Snyman says
Exactly! I commented on another post here recently which posed the question, “Who wins, Microsoft or Apple?” and my answer was, “They both do. We, however, lose.”
In particular with Apple, you’re dealing with a company that is extremely controlling, and does whatever they please. The public has turned a blind eye to their business practices because they are “cool”. Don’t be fooled.
Eric Dye says
Your dollar is your vote.
Littlewarrior says
September 9, 2011 at 2:13 pm #
Does this mean all pro and anti-gay apps could be disappearing for being offensive to the ‘other side’ regardless of your starting point?
It think it highlights an issue of competition law with apple being allowed to ‘close shop’ fickly. It’s my phone! If someone wants a pro gay app or an app which they feel helps them get through their day why shouldnt they? What would happen if we all started complaining about the iTunes app which plays loud, racist and misogynistic music every morning on trains and buses. Would they remove it if enough of us complained? No! If you don’t like an app don’t download it. If you do like it- then do so. Apple doesn’t need to edit content.
Eric Dye says
Apple has to draw a line somewhere. They have to regulate their content. They are taking a popular position. It is what it is.
Adam Lehman says
This is a non-issue. As a Christian, I think this is a “turn the other cheek issue.” Someone hoses you, what do you do? Argue against society for not valuing what you value.
This is an opportunity for Christians to – once again – act like whiny babies. Probably go on and develop our own iphone knockoffs (GODphone?) with our own apps with our own music with our own rules and totally separate ourselves from all of society – effectively hiding our light under the bushel.
If we sat around a table for dinner and asked Jesus how he’d ask that we handle the situation, I think he’d tell us that the world won’t understand us and our motivation. He’d tell us that we needed get caught up in iphone apps, for things of this world will fade. We’re to treat people with love and grace, for the Father first showed us love and Grace and His Spirit lives in us.
Eric Dye says
#Amen. “GODphone” — LOL!
RJ Grunewald says
I’ve actually thought about that possibility as I’ve been looking to add new scenes to Clips. I’d hate for the app to remove because the app touches on a controversial issue, but on the same hand there’s no way that I’m going to give up making the app on an iOS device.
In some ways it stinks that a closed system allows apple to do whatever they want, but I’m very happy that it’s a closed system and I can’t download malicious software or have students in our ministry downloading pornography apps.
We’ll see what happens as there are plenty of great apps that I’d hate to see leave the app store.
Eric Dye says
I TOTALLY understand where you’re coming from.