Apple and Google warn Amazon that children can see pornographic images through the Kindle app

CTOnews.com, April 19 (Reuters)-after discovering that children can use the app to access pornographic images, both Apple and Google have asked Amazon to step up content censorship of its Kindle app.

According to CTOnews.com, the content was first discovered by some parents and contacted Reuters. These parents bought the Kindle Unlimited service for their teenagers because it included age-appropriate books that could not be found on Amazon Kids +, another Amazon service. However, the Kindle Unlimited service also offers some adult books with full-color nude photos, which can be downloaded free of charge and without parental inspection, because the Kindle Unlimited service can provide all the content for a subscription fee of $10 a month. These books are published through the direct publishing feature of the Kindle service, which allows authors to publish their books immediately and make them available on the Kindle Unlimited service.

Apple did not disclose details of its communication with Amazon, but the company told Reuters: "We have shared these concerns with developers and worked with them to ensure that their apps meet our guidelines." Apple also changed the age rating of the Kindle app from 4 or more to 12 or above. Apple's App Store guidelines do not allow apps to display "excessively sexy or pornographic content", and app developers "have a responsibility to review user-generated content on their platforms."

Google also said it had contacted Amazon and said Google Play does not allow applications that contain or promote sexual content. Amazon said it was "reviewing all available information and taking action based on its findings". Amazon says it is committed to providing a safe shopping and reading experience for customers and their families.

Currently, the Kindle Unlimited service does not provide parental control, and Amazon has not made any changes to the Kindle app or Kindle Unlimited service.