The Flipside: Embracing Closed Gardens Like The Apple App Store Shows Just How Un-Free You Want To Be
from the open-and-free dept
Just the other day, I told you the story of some immature and racist apps in Google's Play store. In that post, I discussed how the kind of speech that offends is truly a barometer of exactly how free we want speech to be. It's one thing to embrace free speech that suits us, but it is every bit our duty to protect speech that does not suit us as well, because it is the ideal of free speech we are protecting, not the speech with which we disagree. The only other option, of course, is to become a society less permissible of speech. True, that society may yield a lower amount of speech the majority finds offensive, but what else gets caught in the drain-trap that shouldn't have? We remind one another all the time that private companies like Google aren't under obligation to the 1st Amendment and free speech, but we still have that ideal that permeates our society and so some of us choose to embrace the more open and permissible environments because we believe more information, data, and culture is always better and we'll deal with the annoyances that come along with it. Others choose to embrace the Apple App store, which gives you a wonderful idea of exactly what happens when speech and culture become more constricted.Take one recent example: Apple's rejection of an gaming app based on the war in Syria, created to help educate others about exactly what is occurring there. The game was rejected based on Apple's not allowing apps that "solely target a specific race, culture, a real government or corporation or any other real entity".
"This decision is a shame really as it makes it hard to talk about the real world," said designer Tomas Rawlings.
"We had hoped that Apple would be more nuanced in how they applied this rule but we got a bit worried when it had been in submission for around two weeks without a decision - we then figured that because of the controversy of using the gaming medium to cover an ongoing war meant passing the game had become an issue for them."Rawlings insists there is nothing actually offensive in the game and notes that the response from those that got their hands on it has been generally positive. From what I can tell, the game is essentially a quick scenario decision making game told from the Syrian rebels point of view. It incorporates real world news items and events and allows the player to decide how to handle them. There's no deragatory name-calling. No over the top violence. But because they mention a "real government", it's out.
And that's exactly the problem with a less permissible garden like Apple's app store. Sure, in Google's garden (or the wider open internet, for that matter) you will occasionally have to ignore a few weeds, but you get the full spectrum of flowers to enjoy. Apple's garden may have less weeds, but they have less flowers, and the choice over which flowers you see isn't up to you. That's not the system I want to embrace.
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Filed Under: apps, closed, free speech, openness, syria
Companies: apple
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Iran, Iran, Iran.
Am I the only one more scared of Israel?
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Well said indeed
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Re: Well said indeed
The pen is mightier than the sword.
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Google will merrily censor anything that can be construed as "terrerist", the weeds that are OK to censor. In this case the terrorists are good terrorists, from the USA point of blindness, so it's a shame to censor?
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Call it by it's proper name: it's a prison. A beautiful prison, but still a prison.
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Tim
When did you become such a serious correspondent?
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Re: Tim
That said, I try to tackle the subject matter as warranted. If humor can best expose the issue, I use it. If the subject warrants a more serious approach, I try to do so.
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I have a special appreciation for penis jokes and I'm saddened by the lack of them.
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"I reject your reality, and substitute my own."
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Nope
Apple should allow people to sideload apps, and keep doing what it's doing. Actually, both it and Google should do more to keep garbage out of their storefronts.
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Re: Nope
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Oh look arbitrary takedowns based on someone being offended.
It starts a slope, why should Apple/Google/any company be in charge?
If you dislike the app/game/article... don't download it.
If you think its horrible, say your piece and move on.
Why does the rest of the world have to be filtered to what YOU find acceptable?
Do you lack the ability to make decisions on your own and need someone to hold your hand?
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Re: Nope
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To alter a quote:
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Re: Nope
It's the 21st century. We have the tools to ignore things that offend our fragile sensibilities. We don't need corporations to be our nanny.
Besides, they have conflicting interests.
Corporations should just mind their own business and keep the megalomania to a bare minimum.
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Re: Nope
You realise that they will tend to settle on similar filter practices, trying to cater to the majority viewpoint. A bit like the way that television has sunk its current state, competing for the same audience.
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Isn't there a psychoanalytical term which describes this phenomena?
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I think everyone is guilty of that to some degree, it is human nature. Certainly Americans are not the only ones with the problem either. It is human nature to modify memories, and this really is just an extension of that.
That is one of the reasons that I always try to listen to, read... things I don't agree with as well as those I do.
When you start listening to one source or one side your sense of reality quickly becomes warped and distorted.
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Although I prefer the maxim "Everyone tends to mistake the limits of their vision for the limits of the world."
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Avoiding litigation
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Re: Avoiding litigation
If you aren't some sort of enlightened tyrant, then you avoid the problem entirely.
The more you try to micro-manage, the more you can be held accountable for.
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Re: Re: Avoiding litigation
- If they do put the game up they are legally responsible for the content. Do you want regional locking? Cause that may be the only way to release it with a way to dull lawsuits.
- They cannot hide the issue at all. The only way for them to avoid using a lot of time and resources from lawyers are through a ban.
The rest is a question of laws in every country in the world. Relying on reason is completely foreign for the law. Only the (cherrypicked) people is allowed to assure that the law is followed. The only way to reach an international concensus on free speech is through a global compromise and a compromise between USA, EU, China, Russia and Nigeria is likely to remove any resemblance of what USA (or for that matter EU) has at the moment.
Yes, it is a horrible system, but it is never going to change if we want a truely borderless internet.
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They are a service provider, and thus are not. By having this type of approval process, they make it far easier for someone to claim they are liable if something slips through.
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DH, if you read Apple's developer TOS you will notice that political propaganda, whether for the good of a nation, or the bad, is strictly forbidden. The author swears it wasn't bad or contains anything pertaining to violence, but we still have yet to see the App and whether or not it was racist or other things of that nature.
Middle-Eastern politics is extremely sensitive and thin-skinned. I mean seriously it's a constant territorial despute between Isreal and Syria. Syria's main government has shown a lot of aggression towards its people and still hasn't been ousted. I don't think it would be safe for any citizen of Syria to have that app on their devices in general.
Other racist factors includes misnomers about Islam and Judaism. So maybe there was something racist in that. Free speech is free speech, but when you say things that are concidered racist, you are violating others' rights against discrimination...ergo, you have no right to do it.
As for this app, I would try to get a hold of it before casting judgement on Apple.
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I don't really need to. Even if this app didn't exist, there are plenty of reasons to view these walled gardens as Bad Things -- not just for the users of the devices, but for society as a whole.
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The one glaringly obvious flaw that I see (and there are a few, but this one stands out most to me) in iOS is also it's greatest strength...It is the simple fact that a walled garden is necessary because it is very easy for apps to seamlessly be ported from one hardware platform to another...ie iPhone Apps work on an iPad. There's no difference in the kernel between any of the iDevices we use except for processing power between generations. That being said it is sort of a blessing and a curse to have a walled garden.
I look at how open Google Play is and some of these apps take advantage of the exploits pertaining to individual flaws in the drivers of the hardware they use. One exploit taken advantage of from an app to a specific Device is less likely to effect other devices on similar software platforms. So there is no need for as tight if a control.
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This is true, but I would argue it's not the best way to address the problem.
It's also just a nice side-effect. The primary purpose of a walled garden is not to keep users safe. It's to allow the companies that do this to take a cut of every application that is sold for the device. It's gouging, pure and simple.
I don't understand the point you're making here. How does this relate to the walled garden?
I wouldn't really call Google Play very open. The real advantage Android has in this respect is not Google Play anyway -- it's the fact that you can easily use any app store you like, not just Google's, and that you can easily side-load applications so you never have to use an app store at all.
Although I'm a registered Apple developer and have developed a few iPhone apps, I would never have chosen the iPhone (or iPad, etc.) for myself because of the walled garden. If Android took the same approach, I would not have purchased an Android phone either.
I am strongly opposed to being forced to use app stores (having them optionally available is fine). I think this approach is poisonous.
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You know what Wally, I'm just going to say it. Stop talking about Google or Android or the Play Store. Seriously, stop. Because EVERY SINGLE TIME YOU DO you make things up, are completely wrong, etc.
Without listing all your incorrect or bullshit Google/Android comments, let's just take a quick gander at some of your more recent ones:
1. You stated Android is not open and that the only time Google releases source code is when they've stopped supporting a previous version of the OS. (This is blatantly false, as the moment a new version is released the source code is released. Thereby allowing anyone to compile it themselves and release their own versions. Proof of this is easily evident in ROM projects from the likes of Cyanogenmod or AOKP.)
2. You stated you owned a particular Android phone. Forget the specifics. (I personally went out of my way to look up said phone, since it's such a shitty non-popular model. A few things were quickly revealed. A. You're either a full on liar or B. You're totally fucking clueless. The phone you "claim" to own cannot, nor has it ever, run Honeycomb (Android 3.1) That is a tablet only operating system. Now, it may have been a typo on your part, right? Wrong. As "your" phone has NEVER run Android 2.1, it was released and only runs Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). So here we have you busted by your own comments.)
Now, moving on. Google Play is NOT open. Not in the manner you refer to. What the Google Play store is is an app store, but one of many. That is the beauty of Android, you can take it or leave it and go with something else. With the exception of hateful speech type apps (and even then you can find them elsewhere) any and all apps can be found. Also, Google proactively filters and removes apps for malware. Something I doubt you knew, and even if you did it wouldn't suit you to state this little fact as it would lessen your shoot at Google and Android. (Can't have that.) Secondly, like with the rest of Android, Google has users who are quite vocal about any given app. Meaning the risk of malware/malicious apps is dramatically lessened due to the fact that once discovered other Android users will make others aware.
As for your bit about an exploit that an app can take advantage of on a given device... well, this is possible. Samsung recently had something like this happen. However, again, given to the open source nature of Android and the community driven support for it, such exploits are quickly made public and fixes are released. If not by the manufacturers/carriers then directly by the end users. The Samsung Exynos exploit was patched by the XDA Developers, the app which patches said exploit was released both there and through the Play Store. In addition to which, it was discussed and covered in all Android related news sites, as well as several more popular/well known tech sites (like The Verge, Engadget, ArsTechnica, etc.)
Meaning these exploits and malware/malicious apps are pretty much useless and taken care of ASAP. Another interesting point, as has been covered by sites like Android Central, is that the amount of "bad apps" out there is beyond minimal, so as to essentially be nonexistent. This is a fact. However, people like yourself, love any opportunity to say "ANDROID IS FULL OF VIRUSES!!!" when that couldn't be more false. In addition to which, as I already pointed out Google is proactively removing malicious apps, and providing protection from them. Implementing changes in Android that directly scan any/all apps before installation for any malicious activity. A feature that has already been incorporated into Jelly Bean (4.2) and trickles down from there.
But yeah, basically stfu because what you don't know or have wrong about Google/Android could fill the planet. I was actually waiting for you to comment. The moment I saw the article I said to myself, "Oh hey. An article pointing out how bad Apple's walled garden is. Apple's White Knight Wally should be along any minute to defend why walled gardens are great." And lo and behold, you showed up eventually. Let's see, why walled gardens are great according to Wally. 1. Apple users are idiots. They need Apple to protect them from their own stupidity. (This isn't what you stated, but it is indeed what you said when one reads between the lines.) 2. Apple has the right to do as it pleases. Because TOS THAT'S WHY!!! (Which is what you basically said when you discussed the free speech stuff. You can say what you want, but you can't because Apple won't allow it. And you might upset someone. Sorry Wally, but as has been proven and evidenced, Apple's TOS for developers vary from app to app. There have been numerous cases where an app that violated said TOS was allowed in the App Store, when another app that was similar in nature came along it was blocked. When this is pointed out, Apple has reinstated said app or blocked both. But more often than not they just reinstate the app, rather than allow more opportunity to point out the issues arising from their SELECTIVE terms of service agreement for developers.) 3. The world is a bad, bad virus infested cesspool and Apple devices have many weaknesses and thus we need Apple's protection. (This wasn't flat out stated, but it's there. Similar hardware, allowing for easy porting. Which is itself a liability, but we all know Wally would never directly state this as such, because even when Apple's wrong it's not. Not to Wally that is.)
Fucking Wally. Self appointed Apple defender and psychologist who can analyze anyone anywhere without actually meeting them in person. Not too mention dog with a bone. (Always has to take a shot at Google/Android in articles where Apple is in the wrong. Because defending Apple isn't enough, he has to say, "WHAT ABOUT THEM?!?!")
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No the person that needs to STFU is you. I did not read your TL:DNR, foaming at the mouth Fandroid retort mainly because I don't have the time of day to go through and find whatever traps you attempt to leave. Your comment is neither worth my time not energy to read through to figure out what you're clearly saying: "I'm a Fandroid who doesn't know how to read and think on my own. I will defend against anything said about Android whether it be a compliment or defamation. STUFU Wally, you mentioned Apple in your comment and that makes you an Apple fanboy."
I merely pointed out the differences between the two platforms with software and hardware and why Google Play doesn't need the walled garden. Oh and while I'm at it, there is more Malware on Google Play. It's been proven that there are a lot of harmful apps on there that happen to be a comparative minority in number..that doesn't mean they don't exist.
All I stated was that because of the portability between most iDevices, Apple has a walled garden. It doesn't make it right, but as evil as it is, it protects users from harm.
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Find me the modifiable open source code available to the general public for Android 4.2.2....or anything Jellybean. Don't be lazy and cite Linux...
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It's available for anonymous download from the usual source: http://source.android.com/source/downloading.html
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And yet with Apple's iOS and Apple products, such an exploit is definitely not possible for iDevices...XD made the patch...not Samsung, not Google, yup customer service based on others' work as well as an OS that was bought...
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You know how much I love trolling scum like you??? >:-) It's easy. Makes it easier with a degree in psychology..On that note I should point out to you that your reality distortion field is clearly showing with that last paragraph you made. Most people on here have a certain amount of respect and don't dog at people like you do when they rebuttal...even out_of_the_blue rebuttals with more respect than that.
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THE FLIPSIDE
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Please. You didn't. That wasn't what that was at all. You needed to take a shot at Google in your defense of Apple. That's all that was. That you're not trying to spin it because I had the nerve to call you out and correct your factually inaccurate misinformation is quite pathetic. This is your standard MO. State something completely wrong, get called out on it, say "well what I actually meant was..." and keep going from there. It's simple, there's this thing we adults do, it's called admit when we're wrong. (But you'd know very little about this. I could point to your "Droid" comment, where you kept saying Droid meant Android, despite people saying otherwise. But I'm sure you remember that.)
And no, I'm sorry, I for one do not respect anyone who can't admit when they're wrong. Android is open. I stated that before when you claimed otherwise. NOW though it's not what you meant and you want blah blah blah. Malware is NOT a big issue on Android, this is a fact that many reputable cites and tech experts have already discussed and debunked. But yeah, Wally, the 26 year old psychologist who randomly flips out and calls everyone who disagrees with him or even questions him about Apple a troll is saying otherwise. Well, I guess that settles that. I'm sure Joshua Topolowsky at The Verge will be relieved and perhaps even retire, giving his position of tech expert over to Wally. The same Wally who harped on and on about ArsTechnica for a good week, and the reason for his lunacy that week was because of that and because the weather changed. Oh, and he was dropped on his head at the age of 3. Which somehow manifest itself as him flipping out specifically on "trolls" 23 years later. Mhm.
You're TOTALLY someone who should be analyzing others. /s
Seriously, just quit. You were wrong, you've been wrong, and you can't admit it. You weren't trolling. You got called out. And rather than shrug and say "my bad" you try and spin things so you don't look like an idiot. Guess what? You still do. [shrugs] This is me not really giving a fuck and moving on. If you'll excuse me I'm going to go have lunch and a few drinks. Apple still sucks and so does there walled garden. : ) I'm friends with quite a few people in various areas of the medical field, if you'd ever like someone to take a look at your poor little head. Make sure that drop didn't cross a few wires and all that. (Despite the fact that it quite obviously did.) Oh hey, I just found the world's smallest violin! I'll be sure to play a song for you and Apple. World's saddest too.
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Now to reiterate my simple point because it's clear you don't know how to read the word "Apple" without rabidly foaming at the mouth;
The reason Apple has a strict walled garden is that iOS device kernels is exactly the same while Google has a different kernel for each Android device. Because Apple has one kernel it is nessecary to be a tad more strict with what goes on iTunes Apps store. It's not right that there is one and I do not like walled gardens whatsoever, but due to the nature of Apple's platform (which is explained clearly in one sentence), it is somewhat nessecary.
Google Play and Android on the other hand can have a free and open platform because most mobile viruses that exist depend on the kernel that a device uses...specifically at the hardware level.
So tell me, how is that defending Apple and downing Android? Maybe you shouldn't have responded like you did to your initial response to my rebuttal to John Fenderson (whom with I ended up agreeing on the grounds he is a developer on both platforms...but I assume you missed that in the opportunity to attack me...). Maybe you shouldnt have reponded as you did...you know the "Poor Wally" bit. Clearly you're out to personally attack my views or troll me...but to what end?
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*Simone or someone? :-)
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Apple on the other hand uses the same exact kernel software per device and since that's the case, the kernel is written for about 10 or 12 devices at any given time (don't ask how iOS differentiates between them...I do not know how, it just does..it also increases the size of iOS by each major update in the ones digit). Now this makes a serious flaw because Joe Hacker can come along and make an app rife with malware that can affect all of Apple's products that can run current versions of iOS. So a very tight (and yes it's an extremely lunatic tight grip) walled garden is likely the choice Apple chose to protect its users of iOS devices (such as myself). It wasn't the best route for developers...but it works.
The shots at Android only came after you started at me foaming at the mouth. Each long response that you have written only prompted my responses to reiterate my point or just plain attack you. Just stop, we are civil human beings...I was right in what I was saying and if you actually thought about what I was saying, you would not respond by telling me to STFU.
Now, by telling me to STFU, you couldn't find a shorter, more easily readable response to anything I said. That is trolling and I'm calling you out. Also, I don't recall being told to STFU a form of being called out.
I was properly called out by John Fenderson, who briefly explained his views, of which I respect and take into consideration. But you just went all TL;DNR ran with an already over conversation in order to try to take the "Wally bashing thunder" you saw in your reality distortion field. You just don't know when to shut up, and you are calling out nobody but yourself the more angrily you respond or try to provoke anger in a response.
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add apple iPhone apps
my website "app store"
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