Apple’s Sexting Patents: Too Much Control?

We all live in different realities. No matter what Apple does, it is going to get criticized by some and praised by others. The same applies to the latest news about its anti-sexting patent for iPhone. Unfortunately, some kids do engage in sexting these days. The anti-sexting technology by Apple is not foolproof but it reduces the chances of kids engaging in sexting with others.

Apple has yet to implement this technology but with its patent approved, there is no reason we can’t see it on our iPhones in the near future. This technology will allow parents to  keep their kids’ messages clean by deleting the ones that include certain words or content. Parents could also get a heads up when their kids try to pull something off on their iPhone.

Apparently, this technology could be used as an educational tool for young kids as well. Parents can make their kids write in a certain language or improve their language skills by setting up the appropriate controls. The question at this point is whether Apple’s anti-sexting technology too controlling. The folks at TechTree don’t seem to be a fan:

What was the preserve of the Big Brother, Apple brings the same Orwellian nightmare to lesser, yet relatively scarier, entities. The only silver lining would be if sensible parents use it to nip the annoying SMS lingo in the bud; then again, it’s too rich to expect good sense from anyone on an Apple enabled power trip. I bet PLA and Kim Jong-il would be pretty chuffed about this. Looking at the brighter side, the patent ensures that abomination is restricted only to Apple devices.

To be fair, this technology is just a tool for parents to keep their kids on the right track. Can it be used to accomplish other things? You bet. The bad news is the technology won’t be perfect. People always find ways around these types of controls. It is too early to tell how Apple will go about implementing this. But the “big brother” fears are premature at this point.