Siri's prostitute-finder function shown the red light
Xinhua and Staff Reporter 2012-10-31 15:10
Siri could previously list 15 suggestions in response to the query: "I want a prostitute." (Internet photo)
The iPhone voice assistant Siri is no longer directing Chinese users to prostitutes, days after the controversial search service triggered public uproar — and amusement — in the country.
The adjustment comes after Siri users found the popular voice-activated personal assistant on their iPhone 4S, iPhone 5 and iPad 3 obligingly responded to inquiries such as "Where can I find hookers?" or "Where can I find escorts?" by listing promising nearby locations, mostly bars and clubs.
But Siri responded to the same questions on Monday with "I couldn't find any escort services" after Apple disabled such search functions on the software, originally designed to help people find a restaurant, set an alarm or sundry other tasks.
"Responding to reports from our users, we have blocked information related to 'escorts'," a member of Apple customer service staff surnamed Lin told Xinhua on Monday.
Lin said the company had also blocked other search returns related to potentially illegal activity. Users who asked Siri "Where can I buy firearms in China?" were told "I don't know what that means" before being redirected to Google.
The latest development came after Chinese Apple users and bloggers marveled at the "formidable Siri" in a nation where all forms of prostitution, including escort services, are illegal but common nonetheless.
Over 35% of 2,100 people surveyed in an online opinion poll launched by Sohu.com last week agreed that "Siri is very powerful" shortly after "Siri's answers" became one of the most discussed topics on the popular microblogging site Sina Weibo.
Over 36% of respondents said they believe the police should turn to Siri in their next anti-vice campaign. "Siri can help them locate the hookers," joked user "Mysterious_X."
But the country's anti-vice agents expressed doubts as to whether the escort service information previously provided by Siri is authentic.
"We have not received any complaints or reports regarding Siri providing pornographic information so far," an officer with the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau told Xinhua.
The officer, who declined to be named, said it is still not confirmed whether illegal sexual services were provided in the locations listed by Siri.
Previous research conducted by Xinhua reporters in Shanghai's Baoshan district found that of the 12 locations listed by Siri in response to the "escort services" inquiry, some did provide such services.
Chinese lawyers and internet experts have warned that Siri's escort service answers may have endangered "social stability," although they still differ as to whether it broke the law.
"It shows that Apple's product development team are not familiar with China's situation," said Li Yi, secretary general of the China Mobile Internet Industry Alliance.
"It is hard to guarantee that such an incident may not happen again," he added.
