Finally, Tumblr's iOS app returns to App Store: Details here
Last month, Tumblr's iOS app was pulled from Apple's App Store due to child pornography content present on the platform. The disappearance left many users of the service puzzled, but now, after introducing a ban on all sorts of adult content, the app has returned, The Verge reported. It is available on the App Store and can be downloaded right away. Here's more.
Child porn passed Tumblr's filters
For years, Tumblr has been serving as a home for nudity and sexually explicit content. The tolerant attitude has drawn flak in the past, but last month, the situation got out of hand when Apple removed the app from its store. The reason was the presence of child porn, which, Tumblr said, slipped through its content moderation filters.
Then, policy change was announced
A few days after the disappearance and acceptance from Tumblr, the microblogging site announced a major policy change aimed at banning all posts/reblogs depicting nudity and pornography. The complete ban is set to come into effect from December 17, but the site has already started cleaning up the platform by flagging adult content and changing their viewing setting to private.
Statement from Tumblr CEO Jeff D'Onofrio
"There are no shortage of sites on the internet that feature adult content," Tumblr CEO Jeff D'Onofrio said while announcing the move. "We will leave it to them and focus our efforts on creating the most welcoming environment possible for our community."
Now, the app has been restored for users
Now, just days before the ban is set to come into effect, the iOS app has been restored on Apple's App Store. Tumblr has not accepted if the removal of the service and loss of millions of iOS users was the reason behind the full-fledged crackdown on adult content. But, the timing of these events (both disappearance and return) does seem to suggest that.
Still, problems remain for Tumblr
Tumblr is using algorithms and human moderators to flag adult content, but the move is already proving problematic because many users of the service have reported that even their innocent posts (pet, food images) are being flagged as explicit. This will have to be addressed.
