FAQ Friday: “Why doesn’t Covenant Eyes have accountability software for the iPhone?”
The information in this post has changed since publication. The Covenant Eyes iPhone app is now available.
The adult industry is constantly riding the wave of new technologies. Whenever technology can make pornography more accessible, affordable, or anonymous for consumers, the adult industry goes to great lengths to leverage that new technology. And what is the latest craze among pornographers?
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Mobile Porn
“Pocket porn” is becoming more and more common in North America. Now with mobile and hand-held devices, pornography can be viewed nearly anywhere. Three years ago, when Sony came out with Playstation Portable, the adult market began offering pornographic downloads for it. That same year a leading porn production house signed a deal with Brickhouse Mobile, with the hopes of bringing their film clips to cell phone users.
Until recently pocket porn wasn’t much more than still images and chat services, but now the video ingenuity of the iPhone allows short video clips to be viewed. The new iPhone3G has been out for two months, and there is no doubt it is an impressive piece of technology: nice, big screen, user-friendly, and its miniaturized version of Safari software streamlines the Internet surfing process. Adult content producers at the last Adult Video News (AVN) convention said the iPhone is the “perfect vehicle” for bringing mobile porn to America. Devan Cypher, representative for Sin City Entertainment, says, “It’s by far the porn-friendliest phone.”
The adult industry has begun heavily investing in mobile porn specifically for the iPhone. Farley Cahen, vice president of AVN Media Network, reports that there are “a few hundred iPhone porn sites now in use.”
How big is mobile porn going to get? According to Juniper Research, the international market for mobile adult content reached $1.7 billion in 2007. By 2009 they expect that figure to reach $2.1 billion, and $4.6 billion by 2012.
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What is Covenant Eyes doing?
Many Covenant Eyes Members are looking to purchase an iPhone, but they would like the same level of accountability and/or filtering that they enjoy on their home computers.
The Covenant Eyes staff has been considering an iPhone accountability system (based on our Mac accountability software) for several months now. In theory, creating something for the iPhone would be simple on our end, but in order to do it Apple would need to give us support to use their interface and access the background processes of the iPhone. Currently Apple does not provide these interfaces. So, that leaves us trying to come up with an alternate means of accountability for iPhone users. This month we are beginning to pursue these alternatives, but nothing is definitive yet.
We are, however, currently testing a Cell Phone/PDA version of our accountability software that uses Windows Mobile 6 software. About nine months ago, Covenant Eyes asked its Members what they wanted most: this ranked at the top of the list. Covenant Eyes for Windows Mobile is now available.
So, if you are planning on buying a PDA or cell phone, you may want to consider a Windows Mobile 6 device. Several new devices from Samsung, HTC, AT&T, T-Mobile and others are now available and handy video introductions are available (click here and here to see what’s available).
(If you are a Covenant Eyes Member, and if you have any technical expertise and want to provide us with feedback, please help us with our Windows Mobile BETA test in October. If you are interested please send email to wmbeta@covenanteyes.com.)
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Praise For and Concern about the iPhone
Just a couple weeks ago I was out on a pontoon boat with some of my family watching them try to catch fish. They didn’t have much luck until one of them pulled out their iPhone and used the GPS feature. Seeing where other fishing boats had been, they “marked” locations on the lake on the GPS and returned to those spots later on. Yes, we used an iPhone to catch fish.
New technology can be revolutionary. Just when you think we’ve reached a pinnacle of advancement, you haven’t seen anything yet! Products like the iPhone will likely set a new standard of computing. Steve Hewitt, Editor‐in‐Chief of Christian Computing Magazine, writes:
I think I purchased my first cell phone back in 1995. Over the years they have become smaller, improved connections, developed better networks with clearer signals and added features such as text messaging, cameras, and MP3 players. But now the wireless cell phone companies will be taking a back seat. They will become like the Dells and HPs and Macs. It will be the software and applications running on the machines that will matter, taking advantage of the new hardware features such as the multi‐touch screen, GPS, etc. and now that two leading “computer” companies like Apple and Google are in the business, look out.
This being said, with great power comes great responsibility (thank you, Spiderman). Many want the perks of the iPhone without the accountability of how it is used.
If you still plan on purchasing an iPhone but don’t want to have unmonitored Internet access, you may want to remove the Internet icon from the screen. You can remove the icon from the phone under the “parental controls” section in the options tab. The Internet will then be guarded by a four digit password. If you already have an accountability partner, ask him/her to hold that password for you. You will still be able to use the other features on the phone such as iTunes, email, weather, etc.
It isn’t fool-proof, but then what is?
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Luke, I marvel at your site and commend you for your work in the area of pornography. God Bless.
I am curious about the Android phone as well. This is wide open source has all of the google tools, and looks quite promising. I would buy it if it had Covenant Eyes on it. Would really like to hear if you are looking into this platform ! – Jesus bless all you guys do !
i tried to follow your iphone directions and i am unable to find the options tab, could you give more detailed directions? Thank you.
Brad
Brad,
I found this video helpful for setting the parental controls: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2vilWb_hYk
Go to the “Settings” function. In that go to “General.” Then click on “Restrictions.” Click on the top bar that says, “Enable Restrictions.” It will ask you to set a four-digit password, and then ask you to set the same password again to verify. After that you will be able to turn on or off various applications, such as Safari, Youtube, iTunes, or Installing Apps.
Good question. Thanks for asking me to clarify!
Keep going hard at getting the IPhone sorted out. I really want one of those but not until it’s safe.
God Bless
What about BlackBerry’s?
Pete,
We’ve received a number of questions about filtering and/or accountability for the BlackBerry.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but when we called BlackBerry to talk to their software engineers they informed us that BlackBerry does not create software for Internet filtering, nor are they aware of any applications created by anyone else.
I tried exploring a number of options, but to no avail. The only thing I could find is how to configure your computer to use Open DNS when using a BlackBerry as a tethered modem (http://blog.opendns.com/2006/10/09/d-link-actiontec-blackberry-users-we-need-your-help/), but as far as I know there is no way to change the DNS settings on the BlackBerry itself.
If you are interested in filtered Internet, I do not suggest getting a BlackBerry. We will let you know if we begin looking at the BlackBerry to develop some software for it.
While it’s not optimal, there IS a way to accomplish what you are looking to do — I don’t see it mentioned in your post, so I’m mentioning it — Create another browser that embeds the safari engine in your CE app, the CE app manages all of the URLs and gets notifications when things are clicked on, which satisfies the same tracking that CE on the desktop does. Then use the restrictions to lock safari and youtube. It’s not ideal but it should work.
Because your software is different from just straight safari, it SHOULD make it through apple’s application process.
Please contact me at the above email address if you would like to discuss it further.
Dave,
Thanks for your suggestion. Currently our team is working on several approaches to monitoring the iPhone. Currently getting Apple’s approval on things like this has proven difficult. I’ve passed it on to our VP of Technology.
What is the estimated date that the beta will be available?
Heath,
The beta version is available right now, but we require a degree of technical expertise to be involved in the test. If you want to help, email: wmbeta@covenanteyes.com
Not sure when the beta test will be finished. It depends what bugs the testers find.
please please please hurry and get covenant eyes for the i phone. I know a number of people who are waiting for this application. For many of us, just having covenant eyes keeps us from straying into dark territory. I want espn on my i phone but without a barrier to the porn industry, it;s not worth it!
Do you have an idea of when iphone software may become available? I am really looking forward to that day!
I agree, something for the iPhone would be incredible. I know you guys are working on it, and thank you. Let me just say I wish I had waited to buy an iPhone until your software was available for it. I’m considering selling the darn thing. If you get any kind of beta ready for the iPhone, let me know. I’d love to help. Parental controls is good, but not fool-proof, unfortunately. God bless you all.
The suggestion for a CE app that has a Safari browser embedded that it monitors then using the iPhone Restrictions to disable the actual Safari app is probably the best idea since Apple doesn’t allow background processes. I would be ready and willing to get my hands on that app the moment that it is released.
Just to reaffirm, please get filtering working for iPhone available asap. I love covenant eyes for my PC, it’s changed my life. Now the problem’s the cell phone. Anything you could do would be awesome. I don’t even mind paying more each month to get it (over and above my Covenant Eyes regular subscription). You just can’t put a monetary value on these things, and I’m sure I’d be saving money anyways. Pump it out – it’ll be awesome and finally plug the backdoor hole.
Diddo, Man I’m desperate. I gave my wife my phone until you guys get something figured out on this. I just can’t handle it.
With respect to Dave’s suggestion above, could someone give step by step instructions on how one would implement that on a blackberry?
It’s encouraging to know there is still chatter on this subject coming up on four months later from the original poster date. Because I just joined today for the home monitoring but still know my iphone is definitely a back door and was wondering this very same question. As I don’t find it to be a fair push to drive traffic towards a windows mobile 6 product as not everyone and their jobs share pc technology as their database network. Apple may be problematic for the time being just remember no good thing doesn’t come without opposition. Especially spiritual opposition and this would definitely be a good thing. I’ll be praying for you guys in the realm of success with Apple. Thanks again for all your continued work on this matter!
M
Thanks men for what you are doing for cell phones. Some people still don’t understand the capabilities of the mobile web. Our church asks that we filter the internet and use covenant eyes for accountability-so I am anxiously awaiting Covenant Eyes Mobile. I have tried laptop data cards, etc.. and do really miss Opera Mini, Gmail, and Google maps, but gladly sacrifice these for the sake of a pure mind.
One question however or maybe a couple.
1.I have a Motorola Q9h WM 6 Smartphone. Are you developing software only for WM Pro (treos, Tilt, mogul etc…) or also for the smartphone edition. I do not have a touchscreen.
2. Will I be able to use google maps, opera mini, gmail app etc…
3. What are your plans for a WM filtering service.
4. What are your reasons for withholding a beta version from me? OK JUST JOKING!!!!!!!
There are a bunch of companies that want or are developing a software solution for the iPhone/iPod touch. And all companies have come to the same point: Making an application that has a built-in browser in order to filter the content you view, and disable safari of course. But this is not the solution.
There are a bunch of free applications in the app store that have a built-in browser so disabling safari is not the solution because you can’t filter these other free apps.
The solution remains in Apple’s hands. They don’t allow background running apps which is great for the performance of the phone, but is a drawback for this type of software.
Apple does not allow porn or adult content in the app store, but the put a completely useless parental option – just disable safari, but don’t have control of all the content that comes through wifi or 3G.
What about some type of partening with Apple? Apple is a very close company, but just as they “joined” with Google to bring Maps to the iPhone, why not bringing a filtering solution inside the firmware that can be activated by the users that want to?
I know this is very difficult, but if they are concerned about the content of the app store, they should also be concerned about what you can do with a pocket devices that has full network capabilities.
I’d love to have a Blackberry — the thing is I could really USE a Blackberry with my line of work. The thing is, I WON’T get one if I have unrestricted/unmonitored access to the Internet. Any other Blackberry users out there who have developed some system of accountability? Covenant Eyes on a Blackberry would be super, but it sounds like it isn’t going to happen any time soon.
Have you considered a Motorola q9 or even a Palm Treo. If they run Windows Mobile 6 Covenant Eyes will work on them.
The mobile web is dangerous. Your home computer is one thing. Your phone you take with you all day long.
I agree the mobile web is dangerous — that’s why I don’t want to get a Blackberry unless there is some kind of monitoring. I did find an application called “Blackberry Unite!” on a discussion board — its basically like a NetNanny that parents can use for children who use a Blackberry. It isn’t Covenant Eyes, but it provides accountability and some restrictions.
Thoughts?
I have my cell phone service through Alltel. I just noticed on their website that there is an option to activate Mobile Web Content filtering. There are also some customizable features to the service. Alltel has been purchased by Verizon, but chances are good that if one providers offered it, others would as well. There are just so many kids with Internet capable devices today that many parents would prefer some controls. I know as an adult I want controls on my own usage!
Last I checked with Sprint the mobile web restrictions limited you to the notrious Sprint Music Store and the infamous Sprint home page. That is not what I call web filtering. And besides that if you restrict the mobile web like that then you can’t even go to legitimate web sites like covenanteyes.com on your phone. Those restrictions are a joke.
Blackberry Unite sounds interesting anything like it for WM6.
Just noticed the price went down on Treo 800′s. Are they any good? Or is the 755 better or the(of course) 299.00 Touch Pro.
By the way I do like Blackberries.
hey guys,
just hear some news regarding this iphone thing. Safe eyes just came out with a filtering software and should be available in the apps store pretty soon. It sure doesn’t beat good old accountability but i think that should be an alternative for now. I love CE and i love the fact that they are really working on this issue too.
Hey got my beta version! Thanks guys. Works nifty.
I’ve had my Blackberry Curve for a couple days now. Thing is, I really miss NOT having Covenant Eyes. I’m also not into doing email on a mobile device, so I may return this one and swap for the Moto Q. I’ve heard good things about the Moto Q, and from what I read the main strength of a Blackberry is email.
Good to read your comment Franz that you have the beta version of CE for WM, and it works nifty. I realize it is still in the beta stages, but knowing it is now available is a strong incentive to make the switch before my return period expires.
I do believe I have become a full-blown Covenant Eyes fan!
I got my Moto today — it is so much easier for me to use than the Blackberry. I’m also praying and hoping I am selected to help with the beta version of CE!
Does anyone know if the Blackberry Unite will work on a company phone which runs on a bbry server?
I have learned by experience that Blackberry Unite! is a complicated program — it was one of many reasons I returned my Blackberry for a Moto Q. I doubt if BU will run on a company phone with a company server, since BU essentially uses a home computer as a private server.
If the computer running BU goes down, then all ability to access the Internet from the phone goes down with it.
Anyway, knowing your Blackberry is running on a company server should give you some sense of accountability, since your usage can be tracked by whoever manages the server.
Does AT & T keep a record of all sites you visit that you could access online? If so, my wife could check my internet usage online–she would have the password so I couldn’t go on an delete stuff. If not, do any other providers offer this?
I’m not aware of any providers that offer detailed records of sites visited. I do believe AT&T and Verizon both have parental control settings. If you’re in need of a new phone, AT&T has the Motorola Q and the Samsung Blackjack, which are both highly rated. Both phones also have Windows Mobile, which is now being beta-tested for Covenant Eyes.
David,
I like my Moto Q9c too. It may be simpler and slower than some phones but like Moto products they are tough they really work well.
CE beta is still doing well for me too. They say they are trying now to make it lighter and run in the background more. Windows kills CE about once per day. Then I just restart the phone and login again. I think the AT&T Q has more memory and is faster than the Sprint and Verizon Version.
I have an iphone and my wife holds the passcode for the restrictions…safari and youtube are gone until its safe. Applications is gone too so I don’t access FaceBook and MySpace. I need the iphone for my work, but I really need to be able to access the Internet as well. Please hurry on the iphone software!!!
Dave L.
Check out Safe Eyes Mobile in the I-Phone App store!
The President sent me this email. Looks interesting. CE mobile is almost done!
Hi,
Thanks for sending this information… it is something that our technical team has already tested. What they have found is that the monitoring method employed is (at least as we tested it) too easy to bypass. If you do try it, please let me know what you think. We have been working on an iphone version (our windows version is already in final stages of beta test), and hope to have a beta test in 90 days, and it should be much more robust, and we also plan to release it at no extra charge (a user may download Covenant Eyes to any platform at no extra cost).
Please let me know if you get any more information!
Thanks,
Ron DeHaas
President, Covenant Eyes
How do I get information on being a part of the iphone beta testing?
It will be interesting to see what CE comes up with for the iphone. Safe Eyes in combination with the iphone’s parental controls (assuming you give the password to your accountability partner) appears to be the best solution. You can disable Safari as well as the ability to add apps so that Safe Eyes can then become your exclusive gateway to the Internet. SE reportedly slows down home computers a bit because it pings every internet query against the Safe Eyes database before it can be viewed by the user. Not sure how it will affect iphone’s performance. Furthermore, because of the nondiscriminating nature of the program it has to completely block access to multipurpose sites like google images etc. However, you can add sites to the restricted or permitted lists. There is also another porn filter program called mobicip that is also supposed to work on the iphone. Good luck!
There is no beta test for the iPhone yet. CE staff is still working on creating an accountability solution for it. Thanks!
This week, I spend lot of hours looking for Mobile Phone to replace existing Sidekick II phone and found very comfortable replacement. And was ready to order it two days ago… Then I was touched by Holy Spirit to check CE web site about Mobile Phone and found out requirement was to have Windows Mobile. So I shopped again and found replacement but it was not comfortable. Doing this resulted in $15 more per monnth payments. So this is an expensive sacrifice because I still could view porn on very comfortable phone.
William,
When we get too comfortable, then we fall. “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall”
I had the same problem picking out a phone. But the sacrifice can be worth it. What phone do you have now?
Just got news that a new beta is being released. The Covenant Eyes App is seperated from the phones user interface, which will help it not to crash as often. I am anxious to try it.
Any thoughts yet to making CE available for the Android phones? I am a very entry level coder, and am about half done working on an application that will email a browser history to my wife’s email every couple of days. Haven’t got it working yet, but if someone as novice as I am can get close using Eclipse and the Android SDK, someone who really knew what they were doing, should be able to do it fairly quickly.
Please consider this OS.
Thanks for all you do,
Tad
The March 3rd entry – rumours of an iPhone CE beta app? Please clarify!
Safe Eyes is just like any other filtering software – invites breaking through, which always succeeds. CE is the way to go, monitoring rather than filtering. It has been my true “God-sent”…
So please CE, try getting an iPhone beta out fast!!!
They fixed all the bugs now. They just released the last beta and it works great-no more crashes, errors and disconnections. You don’t even realize it’s there.
Thanks Guys!
They have CE beta for the IPhone!
Hello,
You commented on a post about the iPhone on the Covenant Eyes blog, Breaking Free, a while back. I just wanted to let you know that we are currently looking for testers for our new beta version app for iPhone and iPod touch users. If you own one of these, and if you have some technological savvy and would like to help us test this new application, please email us @ iphonebeta@covenanteyes.com. We’ll send you a brief questionaire and get back to you if you are selected to help us with the beta test.
Thanks,
Luke Gilkerson
Internet Community Manager
CovenantEyes.com
Silly me! They already posted this at the top of the page. Oops like we say here in PA.
Hi,
I’m a new user of CE software and I must say, I’m impressed. Thanks for all the hard work.
When will CE be available for Android phones? This is surely the easiest mobile platform on which to create CE monitoring and I’d love to have it on my Android phone.
Thanks, Doug
Covenant Eyes (CE) should “raise the bar” for the benefit of all who struggle with keeping a “path to purity”. By stepping up and developing software that can be used on all mobile devices (iPhone, Blackberry, Android, etc), CE would be making a statement to the world that men were not created to view porn on their mobile devices; but to use them in a responsible way and to keep integrity and character a main focus in developing and fostering leadership. I am sure CE could bring in some new hires to help develop the software necessary for all platforms. It really comes down to … does Covenant Eyes want to “raise the bar”? When I read the statement, “”…when we called BlackBerry to talk to their software engineers they informed us that BlackBerry does not create software for Internet filtering, nor are they aware of any applications created by anyone else.” -Luke Gilkerson, Covenant Eyes Internet Community Manager.”, CE should feel the challenge to bring together a relationship with Blackberry and to bring the best software for those that demand it. Go ahead CE … Raise The Bar.
Chris, thanks for your call to raise the bar in these matters. Now that our Windows Mobile software is out, and our iPhone app is in beta testing, we have begun investigating some of the other mobile devices (such as the Blackberry and the Android phone) with greater intensity. No news yet for these devices, but we are certainly looking to raise the bar in this area. Thanks!
1. Did the 3.0 software release make what you are working on better?
2. Any estimate on a release date?
@RagPicker – No estimates on the time to release yet.
So any news on the results of the iphone beta, and when can we finally use it for good?!?
@Dan – No new news yet. We anticipate it coming out in the next couple months.
Would it be benificial if all of the CE users who wanted to get an IPhone but not until CE was available, contacted or Emailed Apple, and requested that they work with CE until the app was created. Kind of like contacting your Senator… If they have an Idea about the market they are missing out on then they may be more inclined to assist your programers with the creation of an appropriate app. I’d get two just for my household.
Thanks, CE, for “raising the bar” so that mine doesn’t! Sorry I had to.
What’s the latest on the development/release of the iPhone CE app?
@Shawn – No new news. The app is still in beta-testing.
how is this going to work since apple rates all apps that can browse the internet at 17+ so does that mean I can’t set my iphone to only allow lower rated apps and then used the covenant eyes browser
@michael – Our app will probably not be rated 17+. Other browsers with a similar purpose are rated lower.
Luke,
If nothing else on the Blackberry, could you guys develop a program that “locks down” the Internet Browser? Like, say, require a 4 digit code or password to even access it?
With the dawn of the BB App World, I’ve gotta believe your tech gurus can come up with “something” – even if it’s not a full version of CE.
I’m desperate here, Luke! Don’t make me go all “basic flip phone” !
Thanks for all you guys do! God bless.
@Lance – We’ve certainly looked into the BlackBerry and have even spent many man-hours trying to find a nice solution for BlackBerry users. Wish I could tell you more, but I don’t want to make a promise we can’t keep.
Thanks, Luke! I know you guys are working it! And we all really appreciate your hard work!
Waiting desperately for the iPhone app…
Have managed so far to stay out of trouble by having my son (!) restrict my access to Safari & YouTube, ONLY to find out today that the SpotLight (“finder”), if set to find apps, finds Safari and opens it up no problem! How come no one on the web seems to have come upon this miserable glitch?? Any 10-year old cen access the web on the iPhone regardless of any restrictions… let alone a sex-addicted adult
CE, please get your life-saving app SOON!
BLACKBERRY USERS – There is a way to lock down your browser with a password. There are two apps that I have found out there that can do this. They are cheap ($10 to $16) and can lock down by individual application.
Here’s what I would suggest doing: Load the application, lock down the browser, then have your accountability partner enter in a password that you don’t know. Now you can’t access the browser without a password. Of course, you can just uninstall the entire application, but what I do to avoid that is to have my accountability partner enter in the password each week to test that I haven’t uninstalled the program. (Uninstalling will remove the program, but if I were to be sneaky and uninstall and reinstall the program, I wouldn’t know what password to use to set it back up with). Each week he tests it, and if it works, he knows that I was unable to open the browser during the last week.
Here are the links (both have free trials):
SAFEBOX
http://handheld.softpedia.com/get/Security/Utilities/Safebox-77228.shtml
ADVANCED DEVICE LOCKS (through the Blackberry App Store)
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/3438
Hope this helps…
Any news of CE for Android? A bunch of new android phones are coming our soon and it will be a major player VERY SOON! It is Open source software so it does not have all the apple hoops to jump through to get an app online for it.
Just wondering as I consider purchasing the New Droid from verizon when it comes out in Nov.
@Phil – No news on that as of yet. We’ll let you know.
has the app been rejected we have been waiting a long time for it on the app store
@michael – No, we have heard some from Apple about it, but mostly asking us to tweek this or that. Nothing major.
Luke,
I’ve emailed asking to be placed on the CE Beta but haven’t gotten a response. Is this still going?
@Eric – The beta for the iPhone is no longer going on as we have submitted the app to Apple and are waiting for approval.
Do you have any clue on ETA Luke?
@Eric – No ETA yet. Wish I could say, but Apple hasn’t said anything to us yet.
Do you think it might help if the user community sent some requests their way?
@Eric – Honestly, probably not, but it would be fun to see their inboxes flooded with thousands of comments, eh?
http://www.worldmag.com/articles/16850
Here is an article about Iphones and Windows Mobile removing pornographic apps from their mobile stores.
Hi I am a wife, and I am looking for an app for my husband’s HTC hero that would block pornographic material. If you could help me with this I would really appreciate it.
@Emily – We know of no apps that filter devices that use an Android operating system (like the HTC Hero). We’ll let you know if we find something.
@Emily, currently the best software for android is X3watch. You can search for it on the android market. It works similar to Ce without filtering