It seems to me that this is exactly the type of application that needs to be reviewed the closest. The author is right that we live in a depraved world. One where plenty of people would not think twice about taking advantage of others who want to do a good thing by installing this application.
While I'm not defending apple's review policy because I'm sure its as terrible as everyone believes, I would prefer if all such applications got a lengthy review to ensure they're not doing anything they shouldn't be.
Personally I'm just waiting for a better variety of Android phones though, so if iphone users want to be bombarded by poorly reviewed applications I have no problem with it.
The letter makes the assumption that the Amber Alert program is one that deserves fast-tracking. It sounds like the hackneyed "but if it saves even one child" line.
In reality, the effectiveness of Amber Alerts is quite debatable, and so the resources might be deployed to greater effect elsewhere.
Take, for example, this article:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2008/07/20/...
"These are encouraging statistics - but also deeply misleading, according to some of the only outside scholars to examine the system in depth. In the first independent study of whether Amber Alerts work, a team led by University of Nevada criminologist Timothy Griffin looked at hundreds of abduction cases between 2003 and 2006 and found that Amber Alerts - for all their urgency and drama - actually accomplish little. In most cases where they were issued, Griffin found, Amber Alerts played no role in the eventual return of abducted children. Their successes were generally in child custody fights that didn't pose a risk to the child. And in those rare instances where kidnappers did intend to rape or kill the child, Amber Alerts usually failed to save lives."
For more concrete criticism, see the actual study:
"Abstract
The AMBER alert system is likely affected by a number of psychological processes, yet remains understudied. The system assumes people will remember Alert information accurately and notify police, but psychological research on related phenomena (e.g., memory, willingness to help) indicates that people may not be able or willing to act in ways the promote the success of the system. In addition, the system is intended to deter child abductions, however, the system could prompt copycat crimes from perpetrators seeking publicity. The system could also cause a precipitation effect in which a perpetrator who sees the Alert could decide to murder the child immediately to avoid capture. Policy recommendations are made based on psychological research and theory, although more research is needed to develop the most effective system possible."
http://preview.tinyurl.com/bsg5mw (sorry, the link was ridiculously long)
While I'm not defending apple's review policy because I'm sure its as terrible as everyone believes, I would prefer if all such applications got a lengthy review to ensure they're not doing anything they shouldn't be.
Personally I'm just waiting for a better variety of Android phones though, so if iphone users want to be bombarded by poorly reviewed applications I have no problem with it.