The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has become the latest victim of Apple's iTunes App Store "objectionable" content policy, after a submitted app was rejected over a link to a YouTube parody video.
Founded in 1990, the EFF is a donor-funded nonprofit organisation aimed at defending digital rights covering free speech, privacy, innovation, and consumer rights. The EFF often find themselves defending individuals against big business and US government in the courts.
The EFF themed, but unofficial RSS feed, is the work of software developer Duane Fields of Exact Magic. It caught the eye of Apple's App Store approval team who rejected the application. Apple apparently objected to a blog post that linked to a "Downfall" parody video created by EFF Board Chairman Brad Templeton.
The parody casts Hitler in the role of entertainment industry executive, ranting about the failure of digital rights management (DRM) and the continued popularity of fair use. Among the subtitles is the f-word.
The objectionable f-word spotted by Apple.
As the EFF's Corynne McSherry points out in a Deeplinks Blog post anyone with an iPhone or iPod touch can already watch the YouTube video - via a bundled YouTube app or Safari browser - so the ban appears ineffective.
McSherry responds in the EFF post saying: "This is just the latest example of the failings of Apple's iTunes App Store approval process, which has been revealed to be not just anti-competitive, discriminatory, censorial, and arbitrary, but downright absurd."
"Let's be clear: we are not saying that Apple has to carry apps it doesn't like in its App Store. But iPhone owners who don't want Apple playing the role of language police for their software should have the freedom to go elsewhere. This is precisely why EFF has asked the Copyright Office to grant an exemption to the DMCA for jailbreaking iPhones. It's none of Apple's business if I want an app on my phone that lets me read EFF's RSS feed, use Sling Player over 3G, or read the Kama Sutra."
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Comments received
James Donevan said on Wed, 03 Jun 2009
Notwithstanding the obvious shortcomings of Apple's review process, I'm curious if Corynne advocates viewing whatever she wants on her TV. Does the EFF challenge all censorship or just the issues that will get it ink?
Dragonfly said on Wed, 03 Jun 2009
And there's me using Fu*king asterisks on such words to try to protect (us) Macworld reader's sensibilities, and MW come straight out with it in their news item. I'm stupefied ! :-O :-)
Dan said on Wed, 03 Jun 2009
Look at the EFF website James they make it pretty clear what they stand for. I'm sure they helped get rid of DRM on MP3s which can only be a good thing.
Apple need to lighten up.
Apple Thought Police said on Wed, 03 Jun 2009
You will do as we say, not as you think.
Alix said on Wed, 03 Jun 2009
You have to be a freetard to think this video is funny.
James said on Wed, 03 Jun 2009
You have to be a pleb to want to block it.
freetard said on Wed, 03 Jun 2009
Love the video, brilliant.
Macworld Admin said on Wed, 03 Jun 2009
@Dragonfly
We have made a very rare exception because the image in question is in relation to a story, which we feel is part of a larger ongoing story regarding the Apple approval process, and not featuring it would seem odd; and asterixing it out would misrepresent it.
As a general rule we still don't curse in our articles and don't want our comments / forums to become a swear filled slanging match.
No, I'm Freetard said on Wed, 03 Jun 2009
Outstanding
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