Submitted by Bob Bhatnagar on
According to a new report by AppleInsider, Apple is going ahead with plans to include an explicit category in iTunes for software titles. The issue of adult content on the App Store has received much attention lately after the removal of 5,000 apps deemed too low-brow for Apple's ever-shifting standards of decency.
Shortly afterwards, reports surfaced that Apple was working on an explicit category with parental controls. These categories were pulled by Apple and the rumors of plans for an adult section were debunked.
Now the whole issue has resurfaced and it would appear that Apple is adapting its parental control system for music to the App Store. This would open the gates for adult subject matter in digital magazines, games and other content. Parental controls would screen content based on their age rating and whether or not an item is flagged explicit.
Currently iTunes movies are screened with MPAA-designated G, PG, PG-13, and R ratings, and TV shows carry the usual broadcaster classifications: TV-Y, TV-Y7, TV-G, TV-PG, TV-14 and TV-MA. Apple adds its own rating system for iphone apps, which sets age limits at 4+, 9+, 12+, and 17+.
If the explicit category is properly executed it could mean that apps would get more "overtly sexual" in the future, although Apple could continue its nudity ban. Apple gave no warning to developers before pulling their apps, and has yet to make an official announcement regarding an explicit category. The company has not told developers whether or not banned apps can be reinstated under a new system.