Throwing the Baby Shaker out with the Bath Water?
Apple Inc. removed the controversial “Baby Shaker” application two days after it appeared on the App Store following strong protests from child advocacy groups. But the incident raised questions about how Apple and other companies screen applications for sale and whether the government or some other group needs to provide oversight. The 99-cent application, created by Sikalosoft, allowed a user to silence a virtual screaming baby by shaking the iPhone. A sketch of a baby crying appeared until the user shook the phone, then red X’s appeared over the baby’s eyes. One description of the application noted, “Never, never shake a baby.” It also advised, “See how long you can endure his or her adorable cries before you just have to find a way to quiet the baby down.” Apple posted the application on Monday and removed it Wednesday night, just hours after the Sarah Jane Brain Foundation, an advocacy group, and other groups issued statements condemning the application and calling for an apology
