Google Bans Porn Apps From Glass (But It Might Be Too Late)

Google Bans Porn Apps From Glass (But It Might Be Too Late)
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It's an easy truism in tech that whenever a new platform arrives - whether it's VHS tapes or the Internet itself - it's often porn that drives mainstream adoption.

So when the first porn app for Google's new 'Glass' wearable computer was announced earlier this week, it seems to most people like an inevitable - if not wholesome - development.

The app by MiKandi, a company that already runs a popular app store for porn-related apps on Android, was designed to let Glass wearers watch and share porn.

Using the app ("Tits And Glass", NSFW) users could record and share photos and videos filmed on their device.

In an update to its developer policies, Google said that it did not allow apps with sexually explicit material.

It said:

"We don't allow Glassware content that contains nudity, graphic sex acts, or sexually explicit material. Google has a zero-tolerance policy against child pornography. If we become aware of content with child pornography, we will report it to the appropriate authorities and delete the Google Accounts of those involved with the distribution."

It also restricts apps with depictions of violence and bullying, hate speech, criminal behaviour or gambling.

However, the update might not be enough to stop apps like MiKandi's or others finding their audience. According to MiKandi CEO Jesse Adams, demand for the app has been significant even with such a limited amount of Glass devices in the wild.

He said in a blog post:

"When we received our Glass and started developing our app 2 weeks ago, we went through the policy very carefully to make sure we were developing the app within the terms.

We double checked again last week when making the site live on the Internet and available for install for testing during last week's announcement. We were not notified of any changes and still haven't been notified by Google. We also double checked our emails to see if any notifications of policy changes were announced, but we haven't found any such emails.

Although the app is still live and people are using it, at this point we must make changes to the app in order to comply with the new policies. Expect to see changes to the application tomorrow."