It seems like no matter where WikiLeaks goes, controversy ensues. The latest stop for the infamous website is the App Store, where an unofficial app that lets you read WikiLeaks site content and Twitter feeds has now been removed by Apple.
TechCrunch is reporting that developer Igor Barinov’s WikiLeaks App has officially been removed from sale by Apple overnight after its debut on December 17. The unofficial app, which sold for $1.99, reformatted free WikiLeaks website content and Twitter feeds for the iPhone/iPod touch and iPad, giving “instant access to the world’s most documented leakage of top secret memos and other confidential government documents.”
Despite the recent controversy surrounding WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, it’s not quite clear what the unofficial WikiLeaks App did to violate Apple’s terms of service, given that the actual content is provided by a non-profit organization and likely not subject to copyright or intellectual property laws.
Apple joins a long list of corporations who have chosen to cut ties to any association with WikiLeaks, including Amazon, PayPal, Mastercard, Visa and Bank of America. Love them or hate them, WikiLeaks appears to be unwelcome at the App Store, at least for now.
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(Image courtesy of TechCrunch)
scottrey
December 21, 2010 at 9:24am
actually I applaud apple on this one. you cannot post illegally obtained information on the internet and claim free speech, especially when the lives of our soldiers or intelligence people are at stake.
however the Manhattan Declaration should have never been removed.
ericrovve
December 21, 2010 at 7:46am
Black mark for Apple, giving in to US govt pressure. Has everybody forgotten Macarthyism?
