Apple is angry with Europe which forces him to accept an adult application
© Shutterstock/Tada Images
Hot Tub is an application to access pornographic videos from various sites. For the moment, it is accessible in Europe from the Altstore, an alternative application shop at the Californian company App Store.
Apple is angry with this pornographic app
Apple has long opposed the download of applications elsewhere than to its app store. But the Cupertino firm had to comply with the requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a new European regulation that came into force last year to twist the neck to the dominant position of the digital giants.
At AFP, an Apple spokesperson declares: “We are deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore pornography applications of this type create for EU users, especially children.” He also wanted to clarify that “unlike false statements” Hot Tub, the Cupertino firm “Absolutely does not approve of this application”.
Apple spokesperson adds: “The truth is that the European Commission obliges us to authorize its distribution by application stores like Altstore and Epic, which may not share our concerns in user security.”
The situation is the fruit of a conflict between Apple and companies like Epic Games. The Fortnite editor accuses the Cupertino firm to use his “monopoly” On iOS to impose commissions deemed excessive on integrated purchases. The DMA is a victory for these companies.
As part of the DMA, Apple checks technical compatibility with iOS and the absence of malware of applications on alstore and other alternative shops. The Californian company cannot intervene on their content or quality.
In December 2024, Apple alerted the European Commission about Hot Tub and explained that Brussels did not oppose the application. The Cupertino firm recalls that in 2023 Pornhub was charged in the United States to facilitate illegal financial transactions related to human trafficking for sexual exploitation purposes.
“This application and others of the same type will undermine consumer confidence in our ecosystem”warns Apple. Altstore, partly funded by Epic Games, did not respond to AFP requests.
