More apps being removed?

[tjp888]

Saw this story on MaximumPC about most WiFi searching apps are being removed from the app store.
http://bit.ly/abUEmx

Yup, sure enough. I did a search for the WiFi Trak program I purchased and it's no longer in the store.

Come on Apple - WTF!

Apple statement give some vague issue with private frameworks. Doesn't make sense. There are tons of WiFi searching applications on all sorts of platforms.

 

[MacDawg]

Referenced here on MR, just as a cross reference to more articles

 

[CylonGlitch]

Just recently I was reading an article that the WiFi tracker applications were very commonly used for some serious crimes such as breaking into computer / machines, and even stalking people. I don't know the details, I didn't read it carefully and now wish I knew where I read it. But it seems like this might be a reaction to that problem.

 

[MacDawg]

I think it is probably more concerned with potential issues down the road than with current issues... but in order to be consistent and to be proactive they took these steps now

 

[bozzykid]

Just recently I was reading an article that the WiFi tracker applications were very commonly used for some serious crimes such as breaking into computer / machines, and even stalking people. I don't know the details, I didn't read it carefully and now wish I knew where I read it. But it seems like this might be a reaction to that problem.

So removing them from the App Store solves that issue? Pretty much every software platform out there allows wifi scanning. There's nothing illegal about it given every OS with networking has this feature. It's just BS to throw people off to the real reasons Apple is banning the apps.

 

[KidStallyn]

I'm pissed cuz they removed the bOObies app.....

 

[CylonGlitch]

So removing them from the App Store solves that issue? Pretty much every software platform out there allows wifi scanning. There's nothing illegal about it given every OS with networking has this feature. It's just BS to throw people off to the real reasons Apple is banning the apps.

And that real reason is?

Just saying, that is what I read, but now I don't know if it is the cause of the pull but it seems logical since I just read it a few days ago, maybe even yesterday.

 

[dZp]

And that real reason is?

Read the article referenced here, following the breadcrumb trail to the other articles and you'll know the reason.

Basically, those apps were using undocumented / private frameworks from the SDK.
Tsk-tsk. Naughty.

 

[sinsin07]

Read the article referenced here, following the breadcrumb trail to the other articles and you'll know the reason.

Basically, those apps were using undocumented / private frameworks from the SDK.
Tsk-tsk. Naughty.

Yep if that is the facts then the developers created their own problems. However no app gets into the store without Apple. The consumer purchases apps thinking they are blessed by Apple. The consumer has no way of knowing if the developer has abided by the stipulations for apps set by Apple. Apple is suppose to know if the app is copacetic.

 

[Daremo]

This stinks. I use WiFi-Where several times a week when traveling to look for open WiFi networks. I suppose I'm happy I still have it, but hopefully this will be straightened out at some point. I think these apps are quite useful even in a lawful way.