Twitter blocks UberTwitter, Twidroyd

Twitter on Friday said it had blocked two of the largest Twitter apps, UberTwitter for BlackBerry/iPhone and Twidroyd for Android, for violating its policies. The apps, both written by UberMedia, reportedly violated rules around the use of the Twitter API. Either actively changed users' Twitter updates to make money and were also reportedly responsible for privacy issues with direct messages beyond 140 characters and even trademark infringement.

The micromessaging service cast it as the result of a long but unsuccessful attempt to push UberMedia to change its app names and otherwise line up with policy. It sent out messages to regular users of the affected apps due to the unusually large number of users.

"We’ve had conversations with UberMedia, the developer of these applications, about policy violations since April 2010, when they first launched under the name TweetUp – a term commonly used by Twitter users and a trademark violation," Twitter said. "We continue to be in contact with UberMedia and hope that they will bring the suspended applications into compliance with our policies soon."

The move could have significant repercussions for Twitter use on the BlackBerry and Android devices. Both platforms have official Twitter apps and alternatives, but UberTwitter has been one of the staple apps for BlackBerry devices where Twidroyd was one of the earliest options. The iPhone had to use third-party apps as well from the start, but it relied on third-party titles like Twitterrific that have always followed policies.

By Electronista Staff

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iPhone, industry, Android, BlackBerry, mobile phones, Apple, UberTwitter, UberMedia, Twidroyd