Tag: Hot Tub

  • Apple Faces EU Rules Amid Launch of First Porn App for iPhone

    Apple Faces EU Rules Amid Launch of First Porn App for iPhone

    For a long time, Apple has kept a tight grip on the applications that can be used on iPhones, with a distinct rule against any form of pornography. However, this has now shifted, at least in Europe. An adult content application named Hot Tub has appeared on iPhones through a different app marketplace, raising significant concerns from Apple.

    EU Legislation Changes the Game

    The app is marketed as an “adult content browser” and allows users to access videos from well-known adult websites such as Pornhub and XHamster. However, it isn’t accessible through the official App Store. Instead, Hot Tub can be found on AltStore PAL, which is an independent app marketplace that emerged due to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). This important law compels Apple to permit third-party app stores, offering developers greater flexibility to share their software beyond Apple’s conventional restrictions.

    Apple Responds to the Controversy

    Though Apple claims it did not endorse Hot Tub, the app successfully completed its notarization process, a security measure aimed at eliminating malware and scams. This led AltStore PAL to dub it “the world’s first Apple-approved porn app,” a statement that Apple has strongly contested. In their response, the company stated, “In contrast to the misleading claims made by the marketplace developer, we absolutely do not approve of this app and would never allow it in our App Store.” Apple also voiced serious worries about the potential safety risks posed by adult content apps, especially regarding minors.

    The Future of App Distribution

    AltStore PAL, which was established by Riley Testut, has received backing from Epic Games, a firm that has been embroiled in a lengthy legal dispute with Apple concerning its app store regulations. Notably, Epic’s CEO Tim Sweeney has distanced the company from the situation, stating that Hot Tub is not available on the Epic Games Store.

    Currently, Hot Tub is only accessible in the EU. Nonetheless, as alternative app stores become more popular, this may signal the onset of a new phase where Apple no longer has the ultimate authority on which apps iPhone users can download.

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  • Apple Criticizes EU Digital Laws on Third-Party Apps

    Apple Criticizes EU Digital Laws on Third-Party Apps

    A new application, released via the AltStore PAL third-party app store in the European Union (EU), has intensified Apple’s dispute with the EU regarding digital distribution regulations.

    Introduction to Hot Tub

    The application, named Hot Tub, provides users the ability to explore adult material. It became accessible for download on AltStore PAL, a well-known third-party app marketplace exclusively for iOS users in the EU. Earlier this year, Apple had to adapt to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which opened the door for third-party app stores on iOS devices.

    Approval and Controversy

    On Monday, AltStore PAL announced the launch of the app, claiming they “encountered no problems” during the approval process. The DMA mandates that Apple not only permit third-party app stores but also allow certain app categories that were previously banned from its official app store, such as those containing adult content.

    However, the app’s promotional material stated it received Apple’s approval, a claim that Apple found quite troubling. The tech giant responded by clarifying it did not endorse the app, contradicting the implication made by the marketing efforts. In a statement, Apple expressed:

    We are very worried about the hazards that extreme porn apps like this one pose for EU users, particularly children. This app and similar ones could damage the trust and confidence consumers have in our ecosystem, which we have spent over a decade building into the best in the world…. The reality is we are obligated by the European Commission to permit it to be offered by marketplace operators such as AltStore and Epic, who might not share our concerns regarding user security.

    Apple’s Stance on Adult Content

    It’s important to highlight that Apple has historically rejected apps created specifically for adult content on its App Store. The company has also pointed to the app as potentially harmful to its users, a stance it previously took against the DMA before being compelled to comply. Currently, it appears that the app does not breach any EU laws or guidelines and is expected to remain accessible in the region.

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