Developers might want to blame whoever stole naked images of Jennifer Lawrence, Rihanna and other celebrities for a decision by Apple to make some strict new rules about the process of submitting apps based on its HealthKit SDK.
In a recently published update of its App Review Guidelines, the company made it clear that rising concerns around security of personal data associated with its storage as a service product, iCloud, means it will tread very carefully for those creating health-care apps.
Several developers on Twitter simply quoted directly from the passage in question, making it clear this was one of the most noticeable changes.
Apple: "Apps using the HealthKit framework that store users' health information in iCloud will be rejected." http://t.co/zPnWG4ihV7
— Chris Wysopal (@WeldPond) September 3, 2014
Some saw Apple's HealthKit proviso as something in keeping with existing regulations.
Apple updates App Store review guidelines, calls out creepy apps, slides towards HIPAA http://t.co/lNdO176L2g
— Eric L. Tompkins (@_codemics) September 3, 2014
For most commentators, though, the change was a sure sign that Apple was responding to the recent scandal.
This celebrity nude leak happens at the wrong time for apple… http://t.co/49JjjSEJkP
— Vincent Bellet (@vbellet) September 3, 2014
#Apple doesn't want any problem with sensitive information as #Healthkit one is. #security #iCloudLeaked http://t.co/6aoKH8AAXF
— railsmill (@railsmill) September 3, 2014
If they don't trust it either... Making a HealthKit app? Keep its data out of iCloud, Apple warns developers http://t.co/pwdkP30Xda
— fanum (@fanum) September 4, 2014
More surprising to many developers, though, was the overall tone of the guidelines, which warned against "creepy apps," and "running to the press" when their app was rejected.
This MUST have been drafted and published without review by an intern, right? https://t.co/AsgQrBWs4I
— John Walker (@jwalkerjr) September 4, 2014