Cinemax Streaming Filth Prompts Apple iPad Policy

Cable TV network Cinemax has launched a streaming video app on the iPad that has raised questions about whether the company's more risque content violates Apple's strict rules about mature subject matter.

The app is an iPad version of the Cinemax "Max Go" website that allows subscribers to the TV channels to watch movies on the Apple device. It includes a special section known as "After Dark" that includes content normally restricted to late-night viewing on the channels that, although not explicit, is certainly suggestive and contains images.

Two of the prominent movies available through the app include 'The Hills Have Thighs' and 'Bikini Jones and the Temple of Eros', both filthy spoofs of Hollywood original movies.

It's important to note that the content in question isn't even close to being illegal, and only mature subscribers should be able to access the video.

Apple Sour On Spicy Content

What's raising eyebrows is that this would be a marked departure from Apple's oft-stated policy that nothing close to mature material should be available through its App Store. The company has cracked down on any attempts to release apps that include visions in the buff as well as suggestive material, even though it is possible to put age restrictions on applications.

Apple's stance was so severe that it caused a lengthy delay for plans by Playboy to launch iPad content. Eventually, Playboy had to find a route around the ban by producing an app that allows users to subscribe to the magazine, but by which the content itself appears as a webpage rather than directly in the app itself. (Source: theregister.co.uk)

Web Filth Readily Available

The policy has been something of a laughing stock within the tech industry, given that one of the main features of the iPad is the Safari web browser, which allows users to access all manner of filthy films on demand.

It should be noted that HBO already has an iPad app that allows access to adult-mannered drama that contains buff and suggestive content. There had been speculation this had been allowed to bypass the rules because it was classed as 'artistic' content, but it seems hard to see how that can apply to some Cinemax movies. (Source: pcmag.com)