Technology is moving at an astonishing pace – the quickest in human history. With great change however, often comes great resistance – especially if the technology in question could significantly affect the way the world works. Then again, the technology could just be annoying.
So, let’s take a look at some of the technologies that were banned around the world.
Apple Apps
Apple devices are perfect in every way – they are the perfect meld of style and function. So, when Apple began banning apps from its App Store that seemed too coarse or lascivious it was clear to all that the devices would be as pure inside as out and its owners the same. In 2010 Apple banned a number of apps including on known as iBoobs and has done the same for thousands since.
Google Maps
Privacy is one of the most important civil liberties and it’s in a way understandable why countries took exception to Google’s maps. The sheer mass of information and data Google’s Street Maps holds is immense and thoroughly impressive, however Greece and Austria banned the cars from taking photos in 2009 – seeing it as causing potential privacy issues.
Selfie Stick
It’s not the cutting edge of technology, but it’s a consumer item that’s become ever more popular in the last 6 months or so. The selfie stick has been banned from use in a number of Premiership grounds, including at Spurs and Arsenal. The device which has prompted complaints from supporters trying to watch the match is said to get in the way of those viewing matches. In South Korea the fine for using an unregistered selfie stick is the equivalent of £17,000 – an expensive photo. Yes, we know, it’s almost as disheartening as when the vuvuzela was banned post World Cup 2010.
Napster
King of disruptive technologies, Napster was the website that changed the music business forever. The file trading site was banned by around 34% of US campus servers due to copyright issues. Of course, it led to the emergence of iTunes and the likes of Spotify.
BlackBerry
Banned in the UAE in 2010 because of the fact the phone uses encryption in its messaging system. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia imposed sanctions on the sending of emails, internet access an IM from the devices during the period of the Arab Spring. The idea being the nation hoped RIM – the maker of BlackBerry would be pressurised in releasing communications data to the government when they required it. However, the telecoms regulator in the UAE said the effort caused, “judicial, social and national security concerns”.
The Internet
China has placed a firewall on the Internet, claiming “within Chinese territory, the Internet is under the jurisdiction of Chinese sovereignty. The Internet sovereignty of China should be respected and protected.” This limits the web to be seen in its full scope in the nation.
So, these are just some of the technologies banned throughout the world however there are still many great pieces of tech that are perfectly legal. Be sure to protect them with our gadget insurance, click here for a quote.
*The information in this blog is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. Please seek a professional for expert advice as we can not be held responsible for any damages or negative consequences upon following this information.