Apple claims content is "politically charged"

Apple has frustrated yet another developer, as the company allegedly rejected an iPhone app, iSinglePayer, which promotes health insurance reform in the US. The app displays charts and information regarding single-payer health care systems, while GPS information can be used to find a local congressperson. Users can even view the donations to each congressperson from the health sector.

Five weeks after the app was submitted, an Apple representative reportedly called the developer, Floatopian, to provide reasons for the rejection. Floatopian was told the app was rejected, in part, because it is "politically charged." The second cited reason involves the app's creation by a lone developer. If certain submissions, such as the official Obama app, have the support of an official candidate, they are allegedly deemed acceptable.

A wide variety of politically-oriented apps have been approved for distribution on the App Store. An unofficial Drudge Report app is available, although it is a conservative news source instead of providing information on a single political issue.

"America's political civil war has hit the Apple iPhone... The First Shot Over The Liberal Bow Has Been Fired!," reads a description for the app Conservative Talking Points. The app developer, Unlikely Pear, only lists a single title on the App Store.

"When a single developer wants to voice his opinions, Apple censors it," says Red from Floatopian. "Unless, of course, you can pawn your propaganda app off as news…"

The developer is currently seeking sponsorship from a large advocacy group or politician interested in health reform. It remains unclear if Apple will reverse its decision following an endorsement by a second group or individual.

by MacNN Staff