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Apple faces criticism for the absolute control they exercise over their iPhone & similarly for the iPad…

The Free Software Foundation is rising. “IPad is iBad for freedom” (the “iPad is bad for freedom”), she wrote in a statement. Why? Because “this is the first time in the history of computing as a PC requires authorization from the manufacturer to install any new program,” attack the organization. Problem: Apple has more U.S. law with him.

Everything returns again to the app store in iTunes, where the platform is distributed programs for the iPhone or future iPad. Apple exerts total control, approving or rejecting each application, a process often criticized for its slowness and lack of clarity.

Microsoft ironic

“It’s still a world very funny that when Microsoft is more open Apple”, mocks Brandon Watson, director of platform development group In an interview with Technologizer. Indeed, if Microsoft decides to ban a particular program under Windows, it would probably face a global upheaval.

Apple has consistently defended the process, saying that 96% of applications are approved. The company says it is mainly to preserve trust between the app store and users. Clearly, a dictatorial control helps to minimize the dangerous programs (viruses, spyware) or questionable content (pornography).

What the law says

For many, the fact of any pass filter allows Apple, which affects 30% of the selling price of each application, to limit its exposure to lawsuits, whether programs violate the law were marketed.

The argument does not explain to 20minutes.fr Eric GoldmanThe director of High Tech Law Institute at the University of Santa Clara, California. “It’s complex, but essentially, Apple can not be held responsible for a problem with an application developed by third-party, even if he earns a commission.” However, “a walking completely the right to refuse sell or distribute a product in his shop, “said Eric Goldman.

What about the openness and the interests of consumers, Apple still does not defend (rejecting the Google Voice for example)? “It has nothing to do with the law. It’s just a matter of philosophy, “says the expert. Not counting that developers always have the opportunity to develop web-applications, on which Apple has no control.

Exercise control is common for electronic devices (iPods, televisions, telephones) but much less computers