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Apple's Predictive Text Blocks Vulgar and Sensitive Phrases
Sentiment: NeutralHigh Priority
What Happened?
Apple's iOS keyboard features a gray list of tens of thousands of words that it will not autocomplete, including vulgar and politically sensitive terms. Users can still type these words, but they won't be suggested.
Key points
- Apple maintains a gray list of around 100,000 words and phrases that are not suggested by its iOS keyboard.
- The list includes vulgar terms, drug-related phrases, and politically sensitive expressions.
- Users can still type these words, but they won't appear in autocomplete suggestions.
- The list was discovered by researcher Derik Kauffman, who noted inconsistencies in the filtering process.
- Other languages also have their own gray lists, affecting phrases in French and Hebrew.
Key insights
- The gray list reflects Apple's approach to balancing user safety and freedom of expression.
- Inconsistencies in filtering may lead to user confusion and frustration.
- The existence of such a list highlights the broader implications of technology in shaping communication.
Why it matters
Apple's choices in predictive text could influence how millions communicate, raising questions about censorship and user awareness.
Source
Business Standard
