Apple purges drunk-driving apps
Speeding still OK, apparently
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Apple has changed the T&C for its iTunes app store to specifically exclude applications that warn of approaching police check-points.
Applications alerting users to police activity ahead have already been expunged from the RIM App World, and with Apple’s new rules (spotted by AutoBlog) it’s now only Android users who’ll be able to tap into cloud-sourced information on police check-points where alcohol on the breath can seriously inconvenience.
The new rules came out during Apple’s recent developer conference, when attention was focused on the new iOS version and iCloud’s unveiling, and are fairly clear: “Apps which contain DUI checkpoints that are not published by law enforcement agencies, or encourage and enable drunk driving, will be rejected.”
That leaves the door open for PhantomAlert and Trapster (the two most popular titles) to continue selling their applications - which also list speed cameras, radar traps and school zones - as long as the Driving while Under the Influence (DUI) traps aren't listed.
So in Apple’s world it’s OK to help people avoid getting done for speeding, but not for drink driving.
When the existence of such applications was raised by four US senators, in an open letter, RIM immediately removed all the applications concerned, Google did nothing and Apple dithered.
BlackBerry users can still install the apps, as RIM isn't a locked-down platform. But removal from the official store is still a significant step, and both applications (along with a few others) are still in Google’s Android Marketplace.
Apple has come up with this compromise presumably in the hope that the developers would prefer to cut down their apps than desert iTunes - and the official application distribution mechanism - completely. ®
COMMENTS
Fair enough really
If you're speeding you can slow down. If you're drunk you cant un-be-drunk before you get to the roadblock.
If the roadblocks stop people DUI then they're very far from frivolous.
If it's all about safety
Why are the speed traps always set up in the straightest stretch of road where there are never any accidents?? I'm sure it has nothing to do with budget cuts and revenue.
Construction zones (where fines are higher) are also a good example. I've seen two scenarios: one with a cruiser parked at the start of the zone with its lights going, one with the cop tucked away inside, hidden behind a barrier. One resulted in the cars slowing down for the entire work zone, the other had drivers slamming their brakes mid-way through.
It's not always about safety.
Title...
"So in Apple’s world it’s OK to help people avoid getting done for speeding, but not for drink driving."
This is a completely false assertion; speed traps are there to cause traffic to slow down in risk areas, this is the reason they are generally brightly coloured. Having a device or app which gives early warning of a speed camera ENHANCES their purpose by enabling drivers to check their speed earlier if necesary. That is why such devices and apps are fully supported and endoursed by the authorities, with some police forces even sharing speed camera data with companies like Road Angel so they can send promotional matterial to drivers who have been caught on some temporary cameras(generally on roadworks).
Drink driving is always wrong and the very purpose of DUI checks is to catch drunk drivers out.
Apple are inherently and absolutely evil, as we all know, but on this occasion they have gotten it absolutely right and the Reg FAILS with this critical article.
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