Apple wants to restrict this ChatGPT-using email app for a rather interesting reason
Tech giant and developer are disputing restrictions
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Applehas blocked an update toemail clientBlueMail, which added the ChatGPT chatbot into its software, requiring the developer first insert content filtering or age restrictions before it can be released.
This is Apple’s policy for apps that produce some form of AI generated content. Apple’sApp Reviewdivision told Blix that as AI could produce content that may be unsuitable for younger audiences, one of the two above provisions must be applied before release.
However, Ben Volach, co-founder of BlueMail developer Blix Inc., disputed Apple’s ruling, arguing that BlueMail already has content filtering, and that other apps on the App Store with similar AI capabilities do not have age restrictions in place.
‘Unfairly targeted’
The new AI feature in BlueMail integratesOpenAI’s ever popularChatGPTchatbotinto the email client, letting users automate the writing of emails. It makes use of previous emails and events in your calendar to make sure its content is appropriate.
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“Apple is making it really hard for us to bring innovation to our users,” said Volach. According to theWSJ, a spokesperson told them that the App Review Board is currently investigating the complaint made by Blix.
Volach also claims that a test version of the updated version of the app was reviewed every day for a week before it was rejected by Apple. However, the Android version of the upgraded app was allowed on theGoogle Play Storewith no age restrictions or content filtering imposed.
He believes that BlueMail is being unfairly targeted by Apple, and that age restrictions would impact their ability to distribute the app to new users.
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Apple seems more concerned about the risks of AI than other big tech companies. It has been conspicuously absent from the current arms race betweenMicrosoft- a large backer of OpenAI who have recentlyinserted its chatbot modelsinto itssearch engine Bing - and Google, with its new rival chatbotBardand its supposedly incredibly powerful LamDA AI.
It’s perhaps only a matter of time before it joins in - in anearnings call last month, Apple CEOTim Cooksaid that AI is a “major focus of ours” - but for now, it seems to be keeping a watchful eye on the AI on iOS apps.
Bing’s new smartphone app with AI integrationis restricted to 17+ on the iphone, whereas there are no restrictions for the Android version on the Google Play Store. Although a Microsoft spokesperson told the WSJ that has always been the case due to its ability as a standard web browser to show adult content.
“We want fairness,” said Volach. “If we’re required to be 17-plus, then others should also have to.”
Lewis Maddison is a Reviews Writer for TechRadar. He previously worked as a Staff Writer for our business section, TechRadar Pro, where he had experience with productivity-enhancing hardware, ranging from keyboards to standing desks. His area of expertise lies in computer peripherals and audio hardware, having spent over a decade exploring the murky depths of both PC building and music production. He also revels in picking up on the finest details and niggles that ultimately make a big difference to the user experience.
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