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Apple Bans DUI Checkpoint Apps

Posted by timothy on from the knuckling-under-to-the-man dept.

An anonymous reader writes "In late March, four US senators banded together and wrote a letter to Apple asking that they remove apps that alert users as to the whereabouts of DUI checkpoints. Now, Apple has revised its app store guidelines to ban those type of 'illegal' apps."

7 of 601 comments (clear)

  1. Makes sense by Combatso · · Score: 5, Funny

    Just in time for me to release my new "lemonade stand app" it tells you if you are approaching a lemonade stand, and to slow down just in case you are thirsty, or take a different route if you don't like lemonade at all.

  2. What exactly is illegal about those apps? by NeutronCowboy · · Score: 5, Interesting

    As far as I can tell, the Senators decided to write Apple precisely because there was nothing illegal about those apps. Reporting on police activity isn't illegal - yet, I guess. I'm not entirely surprised that those apps specifically were banned from the app store, because Apple has an interest in keeping legislators off its back and keep up the image of offering a wholesome version of the Internet. At the same time, I'm curious what other apps would fall under this, or if Apple is going to keep this little bit of TOS around only to remove apps that generate too much bad publicity. My guess is it's going to be the latter.

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    Those who can, do. Those who can't, sue.
    1. Re:What exactly is illegal about those apps? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      They're not illegal, the submitter just threw that word in and put it in quotes because they're an 'idiot'.

  3. Re:A-PPolice State. by jo_ham · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I run a store. I don't want to sell beans in my store. I remove all beans from my store.

    Do I have a legal leg to stand on here?

  4. Re:Aside from hype, Apple's real policy... by TheGratefulNet · · Score: 5, Informative

    obstruction of justice. that's what they'll get you on.

    there used to be a custom on the road: when you saw a speed trap, you blinked your lights to the oncoming traffic to warn them. this, in many states, can you get cited ;(

    citizens having power SCARES those in charge. (story at 11)

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    "It is now safe to switch off your computer."
  5. Re:Aside from hype, Apple's real policy... by Rockoon · · Score: 5, Informative

    50 MPH zone transitioning into a short 35 MPH zone on a straight and level consistently wide road, is for no reason other than to allow the creation of a speed trap so that the town where that 35 MPH zone resides can stick it to people. Yes, I flash my high beams.

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    "His name was James Damore."
  6. Re:A-PPolice State. by secretcurse · · Score: 5, Informative

    Correction. It is a publicly traded business, owned by private citizens and collectives. A municipally held utility would be an example of a publicly owned business.

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