Chicago (IL) – Apple has finally approved the sale of a controversial Nine Inch Nails app. The company had initially rejected the revised application due to “objectionable content” which was reportedly linked to “The Downward Spiral” song. However, version 1.0.3 of “NIN: Access” remains unaltered despite the company’s concerns.
The application provides users with mobile access to the multimedia and community features of NIN.com. In addition, “NIN: Access” allows fans to exchange real-time messages and photos.
Apple may have been pressured into reversing its decision after an outraged Trent Reznor criticized Apple’s stringent policies on the Nine Inch Nail website.
“The Downward Spiral” (the album) is not available anywhere in the iPhone app. The song ‘The Downward Spiral’ I believe is in a podcast that can be streamed to the app. Thanks Apple for the clear description of the problem – as in, what do you want us to change to get past your stupid f****** standards?” Reznor wrote in an official forum post on May 3. “You can buy The Downward Spiral on iTunes, but you can’t allow an iPhone app that may have a song with a bad word somewhere in it. Come on Apple, think your policies through and for f***’s sake get your app approval scenario together.”
Reznor also bashed Wal-Mart for its infamous censorship record.
“Wal-Mart went on a rampage years ago insisting all music they carry be censored of all profanity and ‘clean’ versions be made for them to carry. Bands (including Nirvana) tripped over themselves editing out words, changing album art, etc to meet Wal-Mart’s standards of decency – because Wal-Mart sells a lot of records. NIN refused, and you’ll notice a pretty empty NIN section at any Wal-Mart,” explained Reznor.
“My reasoning was this: I can understand if you want the moral posturing of not having any ‘indecent’ material for sale – but you could literally turn around 180 degrees from where the NIN record would be and purchase the film ‘Scarface’ completely uncensored, or buy a copy of Grand Theft Auto where you can be rewarded for beating up prostitutes. How does that make sense?”
