iPhone apps are rejected from Apple’s App Store all the time, but it looks like one has now been rejected personally by Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs. The app in question is a so-called radiation monitoring app from a company called Tawkon.
It looks like Tawkon tried to capitalize on the recent tragedy in Japan with this app, and Steve Jobs has obviously reviewed the app himself as he has told the company behind it that Apple has ‘no interest’ in publishing it.
Why the App Was Rejected
The rejection of the Tawkon radiation monitoring app by Steve Jobs brings to light several important considerations. Apple has a stringent app review process to ensure that all apps meet their guidelines for quality, functionality, and appropriateness. In this case, the app’s attempt to leverage a tragic event for commercial gain was seen as distasteful and insensitive. The tragedy in Japan, which involved a devastating earthquake and subsequent nuclear crisis, was a sensitive topic, and any attempt to profit from it was bound to be met with criticism.
Moreover, the app’s functionality itself could be called into question. Radiation monitoring is a complex task that typically requires specialized equipment. The accuracy and reliability of a smartphone app to perform such a function could be dubious, potentially leading to misinformation and unnecessary panic among users.
Alternative Avenues for the App
It looks like the developers of the radiation app will be adding it to the Cydia store instead. Cydia is an alternative app store for iOS devices that have been jailbroken, allowing users to install apps that are not available on the official App Store. While this provides an avenue for Tawkon to distribute their app, it also limits their potential user base to those who have chosen to jailbreak their devices.
The decision to move the app to Cydia raises further ethical questions. While it allows the developers to bypass Apple’s restrictions, it also means that the app will be available to a more niche audience. This could be seen as a way to circumvent the ethical considerations that led to its rejection in the first place.
Personally, we think the app is in poor taste and they shouldn’t be trying to cash in on the disaster in Japan. The ethical implications of developing and distributing an app that seeks to profit from a tragedy cannot be ignored. Developers have a responsibility to consider the broader impact of their products, especially in times of crisis.
Source Cult of Mac
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
