Discovery of child pornography leads to Tumblr's removal from Apple's App Store

The social networking service Tumblr announced Monday that its iOS app had been removed from Apple's App Store after child sexual abuse content had been found on the platform during a routine audit.

The platform first announced an undisclosed issue with the iOS app on Friday. Monday's update said Tumblr uses an "industry database" to prevent the distribution of illicit content; however, the content that was discovered had not yet been included in that database.

Apple requires iOS apps to have content filters to prevent the distribution of child pornography, The Verge reported.

"We're committed to helping build a safe online environment for all users, and we have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to media featuring child sexual exploitation and abuse ... We immediately removed this content," Tumblr's statement read.

Tumblr has a reputation as a platform with a permissive attitude towards adult content. The governments of Indonesia and South Korea have sparred with Tumblr over its handling of sexual content, the BBC reported.

Tumblr's statement gave no timeline for when the app may be restored to the App Store.

Apple did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.

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