Earlier this week, Apple cracked down on Facebook for violating its App Store Terms of Service, and now the MeWe social network has been hit as well. The MeWe social network app disappeared from the App Store, prompting users to ask, why?
It turns out; the MeWe social network app was violating some granular NSFW content App Store Terms of Service the company didn’t realize it was infringing.
According to MeWe social network admin Mark Weinstein, Apple pulled the MeWe app from its store and sent them the following message.
“We found that your app is not in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines. Specifically, we found: Your app enables the display of user-generated content tagged as NSFW (Not Safe For Work) but does not have the proper precautions in place.”
Apple
Weinstein says the MeWe staff were confused at this accusation as the company has built-in protections for users who would rather not see NSFW content.
MeWe now automatically blurs possible adult content images in member profiles during contact requests and in group cover pics during group invites, to protect MeWe members. It is simple – you get a warning that you have to click through if you want to see the image.
Mark Weinstein – MeWe
The company was confused by Apple’s action, so they dug further into Apple’s TOS to see if they could figure it out. They happened upon a small but important part of the agreement.
“your app . . . may display incidental mature “NSFW” content, provided that the content is hidden by default and only displayed when the user turns it on via your website.”
Apple
That’s when it clicked with the MeWe social network crew.
You see, strangely, that “click”, because you can do it on the MeWe iOS app, violates Apple’s guidelines. You’re only supposed to be able to click through to the image if you’re logged into our desktop service. Yes, this is totally annoying – but according to their rules, they are right. The fix is already done, and in communications with Apple, it appears all is resolved.
Mark Weinstein – MeWe
The MeWe social network app is currently not available on the Apple App Store but will be returning on Monday. With Google+ closing its doors on April 2nd, I still haven’t found a permanent social media home. MeWe is a top contender, though, and I’ve enjoyed using the network because of the protections and privacy it allows. It’s good that they could clear up the confusion with Apple and get listed back into the App Store.
What do you think of this situation? Do you think Apple is splitting hairs here? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter, or Facebook. You can also comment on our MeWe page by joining the MeWe social network.
Last Updated on February 10, 2021.
