After porn controversy, Vine video app hikes age rating

Following a controversy involving porn content, Twitter video app Vine has bumped up its age rating to 17+ from the previous 12+, a tech site reported Wednesday.

 

A report on The Verge said an updated Vine app now requires users to confirm that they are 17 or up before they can download and run it.

 

"The Vine update released today includes minor bug fixes, the ability to share to Facebook or Twitter after a video has been posted, and functionality for reporting or blocking users, but we've also found that the app now warns us about age-restricted material and forces us to confirm our age," it said.

 

Earlier, Vine received much criticism shortly after its launch, when hardcore pornography content showed up in the "editor's picks" section.

 

Also, The Verge noted the app's developers started to censor porn-related searches following the controversy.

 

"It seems that the new mature rating is intended to assuage further fears over the app's content," it said.

 

But The Verge said the age "requirement" can still allow anyone without parental restrictions to still run the app after tapping or clicking on the "Ok" button.

 

It noted Vine's move came after photo-sharing service 500px was also removed from Apple's App Store over adult content fears - and returned with a 17+ rating.

 

Tumblr similarly updated its iOS app to require a mature confirmation. — TJD, GMA News