Apple rejects EFF app over YouTube f-word parody

04.06.2009
The (EFF) has become the latest victim of Apple's iTunes App Store "objectionable" content policy, after a submitted app was rejected over a link to a YouTube parody video.

Founded in 1990, the EFF is a donor-funded nonprofit organisation aimed at defending digital rights covering free speech, privacy, innovation, and consumer rights. The EFF often find themselves defending individuals against big business and US government in the courts.

The EFF themed, but unofficial RSS feed, is the work of software developer Duane Fields of . It caught the eye of Apple's App Store approval team who rejected the application. Apple apparently objected to a that linked to a "" parody video created by EFF Board Chairman Brad Templeton.

The parody casts Hitler in the role of entertainment industry executive, ranting about the failure of digital rights management (DRM) and the continued popularity of fair use. Among the subtitles is the f-word.

The objectionable f-word spotted by Apple.

As the EFF's Corynne McSherry points out in a anyone with an iPhone or iPod touch can already watch the YouTube video - via a bundled YouTube app or Safari browser - so the ban appears ineffective.