App stores attempt to keep lid on coronavirus misinformation
https://thenextweb.com/apps/2020/03/07/app-stores-attempt-to-keep-lid-on-coronavirus-misinformation/
The tech companies heading up the two most prominent app stores are working to keep apps related to the outbreak of COVID-19, or the coronavirus, to a minimum. Apple is reported not taking apps — even well-meant ones — that aren’t from an official health organization. Google, meanwhile, appears to be directing users to existing health-related apps.
According to a report from CNBC, Apple is rejecting apps related to the coronavirus that aren’t from institutions such as governments or hospitals. This is presumably to halt the spread of misinformation about the virus, which could reach trusting people faster than even the virus itself can. CNBC’s report appears to have been corroborated by this tweet from developer Zachary Shakked, which shows a rejection from Apple using the exact same words. Anonymous sources speaking to CNBC speculate Apple is evaluating “both where the health data comes from and whether the developers represent organizations that users can trust to publish accurate data, like governments or health-focused organizations.”