Thursday, April 23, 2009

Apple pulls 'Baby Shaker' iPhone app after child welfare groups protest

I was very surprised when I read this article for a number of reasons.

First off... when did shaken baby syndrome become an epidemic? Have that many people really decided to take an infant and shake it uncontrollably? That's disturbing.

I was also surprised that Apple even allowed this application to be released. As the article explained, Apple very actively screens what applications are allowed to be released. I would have to assume that they, like me, were completely unaware that this happens relatively often.

Even without knowing the truth about shaken bay syndrome, the application does sound rather disturbing. I see no reason to enjoy the simulation of shaking a baby until its eyes turn into red X's. Nevertheless, I would normally be inclined to argue that it is nothing more than a simulation and therefore should be allowed.

However, the apparent reality of this syndrome makes the application offensive, so I understand why it has been removed.

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