Apple rejects Bittorrent control app from App Store because it might be used to infringe copyrights

Sigh. Just as we thought Apple's ridiculous App Store approval process was about to get better with the advent of parental controls in iPhone OS 3.0, it goes and pulls another boneheaded move that makes us wonder if the entire system isn't hopelessly broken forever. This time the company's rejected Maza's Drivetrain, an app that allows users to remotely control the Transmission Bittorrent app, because "this category of applications is often used for the purpose of infringing third party rights." Right, "this category of applications," apparently meaning any app that has anything to do with Bittorrent at all -- Drivetrain doesn't actually upload or download anything, it's just used to manage Transmission running on your desktop. That's an awfully paranoid and restrictive stance towards one of the most popular file-transfer protocols around, especially since there are millions of legit torrents available, but somehow we're just not surprised -- this type of foolish, petty, and capricious behavior from Apple has sadly become par for the course with the App Store.

[Via iLounge]

[(Unverified) Posted May 11th 2009 12:52PM]

"...often used for the purpose of infringing third party rights." Such a vague accusation is useless as an app "acceptability" criteria. Google search could fall into this category.

How I read it: "it is remotely possible that this could be used to compete with iTunes"

[aoi tsuki Posted May 11th 2009 12:47PM]

By that logic, they should remove iTunes given that it's often used to play illegally-acquired content.

[(Unverified) Posted May 11th 2009 1:15PM]

Or perhaps the issue is that Apple does business with the MPAA and RIAA - and they would whine if Apple indirectly supported such an app.

[(Unverified) Posted May 11th 2009 1:16PM]

funny, I just installed that app yesterday on my Android phone. It's pretty awesome tbh =)
I believe the appropriate words in this situation are "suck it, iDiots?"

*puts on fireproof jacket*

[Milamber Posted May 11th 2009 1:29PM]

Isn't Youtube also supposedly often used for the purpose of infringing third party rights? That sure didn't stop them from making a Youtube app.

[(Unverified) Posted May 11th 2009 4:23PM]

lets shutdown the postal system on the chance it might be used to ship drugs and firearms illegally

[(Unverified) Posted May 11th 2009 4:32PM]

the real reason: ATT prohibits bit torrent
using bit torrent on ATT wireless network is strictly prohibited (see TOS)

[(Unverified) Posted May 11th 2009 4:52PM]

Yeah, ATT is the badguy here... you do realize that this app doesn't actually transfer any bit-torrent data, it's simply used as a remote (keyword) control app for software residing on ones personal computer.

[(Unverified) Posted May 11th 2009 4:50PM]

Sorry we can't sell you this laptop because it might be used for copyright infringment... sorry we can't sell you this gun because it might be used to harm someone. Sorry we can't let you have ANYTHING because we assume all our customers are criminals.

Every beer drinking redneck has 10 shotguns, but god forbid you give a computer geek the ability to commit a crime... the world just might end.

[(Unverified) Posted May 11th 2009 5:00PM]

Uhhh...pretty sure Transmission comes bundled with a remote server already. Gives you both desktop browser and mobile Safari friendly access to your torrents without installing an app. It's actually very well done, and you can save the bookmark to your springboard and it will receive the Transmission icon.

Transmission > Preferences > Remote. '

I don't understand why this app was needed in the first place.

[(Unverified) Posted May 11th 2009 9:13PM]

Transmission is a pretty boss BitTorrent client anyways, I didn't realize you could use remote access with it, it makes it even better.

[(Unverified) Posted May 12th 2009 10:30AM]

Just when I'm starting to get intrigued by the Iphone again, Apple goes and does something that reminds me just why I don't like them.

Ethics are great, when they are consistently applied and well grounded - this sucks.
Bittorrent is an awesome technology, stop bullying it!

[(Unverified) Posted May 12th 2009 2:53PM]

Maybe they should disable e-mail too because it allows you to transfer copyrighted material thus infringing on third-party rights.