Tumblr has been removed from Apple's app store because it let some users post images of child sexual abuse.
The social network's app was removed on 16 November but the reason for it being unavailable has only just come to light. In a statement it said the illegal images got through because its filters failed to spot them.
It said getting the app re-listed was a "priority" but has given no date for when it might be available.
Tumblr gave more details about why it was taken off Apple's store after being approached by tech news site Cnet with a claim that indecent images of children were the cause.
In its statement, it said that all images uploaded to Tumblr pass through a database of "known child sexual abuse material". It added that any matches to the database are detected and deleted - and would never appear on its platform.
In this case, it said, the images being uploaded were not in the industry database so its filters did not catch them. However, it said, the illegal content was discovered during a routine audit.
"We immediately removed this content," it said, and added: "Content safeguards are a challenging aspect of operating scaled platforms."
Tumblr has a reputation for allowing sexually-themed material to be shared on its service. This led to it being banned for a day in Indonesia over the mature content. South Korea has also asked it to do a better job of moderating adult content on the service.
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carmencita ago
This is disgusting. I don't use any of the soc. media sites talked about lately. No Twitter, FB, Snapchat, or any other. The fact that these horrid things are slipping through, well, i think there has to be a way this can be avoided. Possibly these things are easily allowed is to keep the sickos from not unsubscribing. This site should be banned IMMediately. These sites are up to no good, imo. Always a whimpy excuse.
NOMOCHOMO ago
Tumblr changed to a membership based model a few years ago.
(Ie: you have to have an account to view most blogs) This has led to Tumblr transitioning from a legit blogging platform to the Instagram of Porn.
They knew what they were doing. Pivoting to deviants for $$$.
carmencita ago
All of soc. media has been dragging their feet when it comes to taking down the really scummy porn and child rape and abuse. They are all trying take in that extra cash before they get found out. Only then when people demand it will they finally succumb to to the pressure. Pressure and protest does work. It just needs to be a lot of people.
NOMOCHOMO ago
We are part of the solution. The beginning of the snowball rolling down the hill.
It's up to us to share this info outside of our filter bubbled voat platform. The tough part is, like you, I refuse to use these scummy popular social media platforms.
The Holidays are coming, it's an excellent time to share this info with friends and family.
Besides that, we need to get creative in figuring out how to build momentum
carmencita ago
Since I am older than most of the family except for parents, they all think I know zilch about anything. They are all have degrees and mostly millennials and genexers. They think I go to the wrong sites. Immediately I am questioned. What site did you see that on Who did you hear that from? I have been lambasted because I said I was sitting on the fence about Trump after the election. These people are nuts. But I love them cause they are family. I may bring up about the puberty blockers being given to Autistic Children and see how that goes. I already sent that info to a friend who has Grand Children. Yes, I agree we are the solution. We are the Journalists of Today.
septimasexta ago
Personally, I think it's too late to turn this ship of fools around. It is time to reap what we have sown and it is a BUMPER CROP!
carmencita ago
Oh No. Ship of Fools is a good name but I am hoping we still have time. I feel frustrated too with this group of ingrates.