Google Bans Adult Apps From Android Marketplace

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — After launching a marketplace that sells apps for its mobile operating system, Android, Google has banned adult-themed apps.

Called simply Market, Android's app store functions much like its competitor, Apple's App Store, offering small, handy applications for mobile devices.

Google's policy regarding adult apps came in conjunction with other policy announcements about Market. Users will have 24 hours to try out an app and return it for a full refund, and if a user happens to destroy their phone, they can reinstall every app they've paid for as many times as necessary.

But there won't be any adult apps sold — at least not by Google. Because of Google's overall commitment to open-source endeavors, users can still install whatever apps they want on their Android-powered mobile devices. Other competing stores that offer apps for Andoid have already popped up at Handango.com and MobiHand.com.

But even if every Android app store winds up banning adult content, because of Google's open nature, adult companies can market direct to consumers, just as the SCORE Group has done with their Android app, JackandJiggle.

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