Microsoft has announced a clean-up of its phone-app store to tackle software containing “racy” or “sexual” content.
The firm’s Windows Phone Marketplace guidelines already ban “content that a reasonable person would consider to be adult or borderline adult content”. However, the firm said that it had decided to enforce a more stringent interpretation of the rules.
Analysts said the move should reassure parents who let their children play with their phones.
“Specifically, we will be paying more attention to the icons, titles, and content of these apps and expect them to be more subtle and modest in the imagery and terms used,” wrote Microsoft’s senior director for Windows Marketplace, Todd Brix, on the company’s blog.
“This is about presenting the right content to the right customer and ensuring that apps meet our standards.”
Apple’s lead
The firm suggested that developers could use silhouettes as a possible alternative to more risky images.
It added that app writers who fell foul of its crackdown would be contacted over the next few days.
One industry analyst said Microsoft had decided to follow one of its rival’s leads.
“Apple has been particularly strict about this issue from the beginning. Now Microsoft is aligning itself with it, which I think is the right step to do,” said Carolina Milanesi, research vice-president of consumer devices at Gartner.
“By contrast Android does not implement a vetting system before apps go live – so from a consumer perspective parents need to be aware that their system is not as regulated.”
Source: BBC, Windows Phone
More Stories
The first 5G Modem arrives from Qualcomm
Qualcomm, Smartphone chip manufacturer has announced the world’s first 5G mobile modem. It offers transfer speeds far in excess of...
You should be concerned that your phone may be snooping on you according to John McAfee
Computer security pioneer John McAfee pulls out his cell phone to stare at a notification on the screen. “It says...
Some iOS 9 users getting “Software Failed” error message
Seeing the following message, when attempting today's iOS 9 update? (more…)
Apple Store Offline Ahead of “Hey Siri” Media Event – The Mac Observer
Apple's redesigned Web-based store "Apple Store" went offline Wednesday morning. This coming ahead of the company's media event where new...
What to Expect From the Apple Big Event
Once again, it's time to prepare for a slew of Apple news. Here's what's coming Wednesday. (more…)
Amazon finally stops selling the Fire Phone, as company adjusts its hardware strategy
It’s taken more than a year, but Amazon has finally exhausted its supply of Fire Phones. (more…)