15 Controversial Apps Pulled from iTunes in 2011

Chances are, if you’re an iPhone app developer, and your idea is controversial, you’re going to get booted. Apple has developed a reputation for staunch conservatism when it comes to what they allow into their App Store, and by conservative, we don’t necessarily mean “right wing.” We mean borderline Fascist.

But don’t take OUR word for it, just take a look at these 15 Controversial Apps Pulled from iTunes in 2011, and you’ll see what we mean.

1. Exodus International

Exodus International made headlines in March 2011 when the company’s iPhone application was given the boot by Apple for representing its “ex-gay” viewpoint to the world. A petition signed by more than 151,000 people, who were upset about the group looking at homosexuality as an escapable lifestyle choice instead of a valid way to live, convinced Steve Jobs and Company to pull down the application. Exodus International looked at its app as a valuable ministry tool for people of all ages. Instead it was branded as a “Gay-Cure” app, making it seem increasingly bigoted and inflammatory.

Image Source

2. Third Intifada

The Palestinian-based application was targeted by Israel and a variety of pro-Israel politicians as an inflammatory piece of propaganda since it supposedly encouraged a third “uprising” against the rival nation. Of course, we don’t know “exactly” what it said, since it was made in Dubai and written entirely in Arabic. Apple eventually agreed and pulled it down, citing the same reason for banning as it did for Exodus International-”offensive to large groups of people.”

Image Source

3. Phone Story

Phone Story created four old Nintendo-style games, which on the surface doesn’t seem like it would offend anyone. But when you look at how each of these games satirizes the production standards of smartphones-and takes a direct shot at Apple in the process-you can’t be too surprised the Jobs clan yanked this one down. One game within Phone Story’s app has factory workers leaping to their deaths. Apple had a number of suicides and attempted suicides at its Chinese Foxconn partner facility. Note to app developer: don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

Image Source

4. Smuggle Truck: Operation Immigrant

You can still find a variation of this game in the Apple Store, but only now it has been changed to the kid-friendly “Snuggle Truck,” and you’re trying to transport teddy bears. The original game still exists for other devices as “Smuggle Truck,” and instead of transporting stuffed animals, you’re hauling illegal immigrants across the border. It was only a matter of time before Apple gave this one the boot, and that time came in April 2011.

Image Source

5. Financial Times

The Financial Times app was pulled from iTunes and forced into making some adjustments, but not because of any morally reprehensible activity as some might view the first four on this list. No, FT’s main sin was that it allowed readers to subscribe right out of the iPhone application without Apple getting a cut of the revenue. Of course, at the time, this was legal as Apple had to redefine its subscription terms to tip the odds in its favor. (They do have the right to do that.) Still, the move, this time on the part of the iPhone manufacturer, was not without controversy.

Image Source

6. Google Books

Not even the Google Giant was immune to Apple’s moral high ground, though the Google Books app was more of a commerce violation than a moral one. In the top left hand corner of Google’s application, there was a “Get Books” button that directed customers to their online store: for shame, for shame! Current subscription guidelines on Apple do not allow any in-app purchases because, again, the iPhoners want their money. Google Books was sent back to the drawing board in July 2011.

Image Source

7. iPlayboy

While Apple does allow “Dead Space” and other “M for Mature” video games in its App Store-you can even watch an NC-17 movie on the Netflix streaming app-its “no pornography” gave the Hef’s big plans for his iPlayboy some obstacles. See, he was wanting his app to feature every issue of the 60-year skin mag ever assembled. Just pay the asking price, and you’re in scantily clad starlet heaven. But Apple doesn’t allow nudity. So what did the Hef do? Well, after getting the thumbs down for the original application, he struck back with an out-link that takes readers to a web page optimized especially for iPads and iPhones. That way, his app was able to be resubmitted successfully, and guys everywhere could get the voluptuous females of the 20th Century on their tablets or handhelds. The new version launched around the end of May 2011.

Image Source

8. Jew or Not Jew

The “Jew or Not Jew” application got Apple in some hot water with Jewish groups overseas. The app, initially approved by Apple, featured different categories of Jews down through the ages as well as a list of over 3,500 world-famous Jewish personalities. You could search by name or category. You could see the list of popular Jews within the app, or hit the “Random Jew” button, which could be used as a type of “Jew for the Day” function. This one came down in September 2011 after Apple was threatened with multiple anti-Semitism lawsuits.

Image Source

9. DriversEd.com’s Drivers License App

Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) ran out of important things to do and set his sights on DriversEd.com’s “Drivers License” app, stating it could, “facilitate lawbreaking.” How? Apparently, the app gives a “high quality” image of something “resembling an actual drivers’ license” to people. Never mind the fact that any bouncer or cop in his right mind could spot it as a fake just by doing their job. See, the images only resemble what an actual license “might” look like. They are not the images states actually use.

Image Source

10. iTether

The iTether iPhone application allowed you to access the Internet from anywhere in the world using your phone’s Internet connection. Needless to say, data plan providers were not happy by that, and forced Apple’s hand in cutting the party short before it really got started. The company said Apple’s official reasoning was that it “burdens the carrier network,” while also noting each user only used about 200MB of data per month on the iTether platform. Apple provided no remedies for the removal, which occurred in November 2011.

Image Source

11. DUI Checkpoint Apps

If you’re a Senate Democrat, and you’ve got a problem with iPhone applications, then you most likely have a bulldog determination in seeing them removed. Led by Sen. Harry Reid (Nevada), a crew of four U.S. Senators succeeded in getting Apple to reject this and future apps that attempt to give away sobriety checkpoints through a user generated database. Nevertheless, similar apps like “Trapster” and “PhantomAlert” are available in iTunes. Though under new restrictions, their usefulness has taken a considerable hit.

Image Source

12. Print-to-PDF

Prior to Aug. 24, 2011, you could use the “Print to PDF” application to save emails, attachments, photos, and more by creating a PDF version for later use. Apple even approved several versions of the application since its inception. But this year, the company had a change of heart and declared “Print to PDF” could no longer use the AirPrint function to make printing to PDF possible. The “Print to PDF” team hopes to work out an agreement with Apple czars in the coming months.

Image Source

13. iControlbits iOS App

The iControlbits iOS app which allowed users to control BitTorrent downloads virtually from their phones somehow made it past the Apple guard and into the iTunes Store on Jan. 3, 2011. Not long after that, the party was over. Apple has prided itself in the past on a no-torrent policy. The technology, according to many experts, lends itself to abuse and copyright infringement, and no multi-billion dollar company wants to get mixed up with that, especially in the U.S., where litigation over anti-piracy is a far more frequent occurrence.

Image Source

14. Any Music Downloader

The Any Music Downloader application promoted legal music sites for downloading songs, but it could still be used for piracy, and many feel that, and not the fact that it was in direct competition with iTunes, was the official reason for its May 2011 departure. Either way, given Apple’s booming music business, its anti-piracy stance, and its rules for in-app purchases, this one didn’t have a chance of making it to the end of the month. And it didn’t.

Image Source

15. Tawkon

Not really a pull per se, but included here because it’s being kept out of the store for no discernible reason, and in our books, that’s controversial. When Tawkon tried to push its radiation analysis meter through to Steve Jobs earlier this year, it received a simple, “Not interested,” reply from the man himself. The company is undeterred and plans on getting its app, which measures radiation levels given off by your phone, into iTunes. But, according to the Tawkon website, the company needs your help. Sign the petition, but don’t hold your breath. It’s doubtful any company would want users to know one of its flagship products is potentially hazardous to your health-especially since you’re probably hooked on it like crack already.

Image Source

Did we miss an app from 2011 that should have made the list? What about personal experience, how many of you reading this experienced one of the apps above yourselves? Sound off in the comments below. We want to hear from you!