BlueMail’s attempt to include the ChatGPT chatbot into its email client software has been thwarted by Apple, who have demanded that the developer first incorporate content filtering or age restrictions before the update can be approved for release.
Apple has a policy for apps that generate AI-based content. According to the App Review division of Apple, such content may be inappropriate for younger audiences. Therefore, before release, one of the two aforementioned provisions must be applied. Blix was informed of this by Apple’s App Review division.
Ben Volach, who is the co-founder of Blix Inc., the developer of BlueMail, disagreed with Apple’s decision. He contended that BlueMail already incorporates content filtering and pointed out that other apps on the App Store that possess comparable AI capabilities are not subject to age restrictions.
‘Unfairly targeted’
BlueMail’s latest AI feature incorporates OpenAI’s well-known ChatGPT chatbot into its email client, enabling users to automate email writing. The feature leverages past emails and calendar events to ensure that the email’s content is relevant and suitable.
Volach expressed that, “It’s becoming increasingly challenging for us to deliver innovative experiences to our users,” in reference to Apple’s actions. The Wall Street Journal reported that a representative confirmed the App Review Board is presently examining the grievance lodged by Blix.
According to Volach, the updated version of the app underwent daily testing for a week prior to being declined by Apple. However, the upgraded Android version of the app was approved on the Google Play Store without any age limitations or content filtering.
Apple is unfairly singling out BlueMail and imposing age restrictions would hinder the app’s ability to reach new users.
Compared to other major tech companies, Apple appears to prioritize the potential risks of AI. While Microsoft, a significant supporter of OpenAI, has integrated its chatbot models into Bing and Google has launched its new chatbot Bard, accompanied by its supposedly impressive LamDA AI, Apple has been noticeably absent from the current AI arms race.
Apple CEO Tim Cook stated in an earnings call last month that AI is a “major focus” of the company, indicating that it may only be a matter of time before Apple fully embraces AI technology. However, for the time being, Apple appears to be cautiously monitoring the AI used in iOS apps.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Bing’s latest smartphone application integrated with AI technology has an age restriction of 17 or above for iPhone users. However, there are no age restrictions for the Android version on the Google Play Store. A Microsoft spokesperson explained that this has always been the case because the app functions as a standard web browser that can display adult content.