Photo blogging app Tumblr has been removed from the iOS App Store because of child pornography. Earlier this month the iTunes App Store removed Tumblr from their market unexpectedly. The reason wasn’t announced at the time but it has recently become clear that scans showed child pornography was making it through Tumblr’s content filters. A statement from Yahoo (owners of Tumblr) confirmed that child pornography was the reason for the app’s removal and said that they are working hard to fix the flaws in their scanning algorithm and get the app back on the app store.
Tumblr has been criticized for their lack of concern for adult and inappropriate content on their app. Some even call it “porn gif central.” They added an on/off switch for adult content when Apple made it a requirement but didn’t password protect it. Tumblr has a reputation for doubling down on the fact that pornography is what makes their app so popular. The app is still available on Android’s Google Play Store.
What Parents Should Know
It didn’t take much research for me to add Tumblr to my uninstall list a couple of years ago. It is still there and this latest news only solidifies that fact that it belongs there. There is content on Tumblr that many feel they want to see. Geek stuff, memes, humor, art, and photography are all featured on the app prominently but a simple search or click on the wrong related image can lead you to hardcore adult images and animated images. Your children shouldn’t be allowed to use Tumblr and your teens should be advised against it.