- tech360.tv
Chinese Media Finds Porn Apps on Apple's Mainland App Store
Updated: Jan 8
Chinese media has uncovered several apps on Apple's mainland App Store that are linked to pornographic or online gambling websites.
This discovery comes at a time when Apple is facing increased scrutiny from regulators and is required to ensure that all apps and app developers are licensed.
One of the apps, called Xuexi Xinde Zimu, which translates to Learning Sindhi Alphabets in English, was the most downloaded free iOS app in China during the recent National Day holiday. The app was found to direct users to pornographic websites. Three other similar apps were also discovered on Apple's China App Store, all of which have since been removed.
Despite Apple's strict policies against such content, these malicious apps managed to make their way onto the platform. This is not the first time that Apple's China App Store has been found to host such programs. In July, an app called Small Fat Answer was also discovered, leading users to pornographic sites.
Apple's China App Store has been under scrutiny since local regulations were updated last year, requiring app distribution platforms to submit registration information to the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). However, Apple was notably absent from the list of registered app stores published by the CAC last month.
To comply with the latest registration policies, Apple has updated its app developer website, stating that developers must submit an "internet content provider filing" and obtain proper licensing from Chinese authorities before their apps can be downloaded by the public. These measures are expected to increase barriers for app entry and may result in the removal of foreign apps banned by China's internet censors.
Chinese media has discovered apps on Apple's mainland App Store that link to pornographic or online gambling websites.
One of the apps, Xuexi Xinde Zimu, was the most downloaded free iOS app in China during the National Day holiday.
Despite Apple's strict policies, these malicious apps managed to appear on the platform.
Source: SCMP