500px iPad app update blanket censors NSFW content
updated 01:35 am EDT, Tue May 8, 2012
Restricted content still viewable in iPad Safari
Developer and photo gallery hosting company 500px released a controversial upgrade to its iPad gallery software earlier today. A toggle for blocking all "not safe for work" (NSFW) content has been excised in favor of a blanket ban on such content on the app. The removal of the filter and content restriction was done solely by 500px staff and not by Apple interference.
Prior to the upgrade, users had the option of viewing the NSFW pictures in the gallery by either logging into the service through the application or tapping on a warning block covering said content. The community is self-policing-- either the original author or the community can mark a photo as NSFW.
The markable NSFW content contains not just erotic nudity, but artistic nudity such as that found on the Sistene Chapel as well. Non-erotic nude studies and glamour images are prevalent on the service and a staple of professional and student photographers, 500px's target market. Violent content can also be flagged as NSFW. This content is still available on 500px by logging in through the website and using the HTML5 gallery feature. When logged in, normally restricted content for the iPad app is still present when viewed through Safari.
Evgeny Tchebotarev, the COO of 500px commented "...we believe that we can offer most inspiring and beautiful photos to all age groups, not necessarily restricting it to 12+ or 18+ categories. Therefore, we have made a minor change to our iPad app, so that it is free from NSFW content and is available for browsing with family, kids or during work breaks." [via The Verge]
iPad gallery application settings before and after the changes made in the latest version
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2006
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The user community is also "self-censoring". There is competition in the marketplace and I suspect that iPad Gallery Software will soon be history.