During our last post we talked about the controversy and debate that smartphone apps with DUI checkpoint information have caused. Some people in the law enforcement community believe the DUI checkpoint information propagated by the apps take away from the effectiveness of DUI law enforcement and will potentially contribute to more drinking and driving car accidents. Other people in the law enforcement community believe the apps will be beneficial if the additional information helps drivers comply with the law.

Four United States Senators have also weighed in on the debate. Last week, Senators Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) sent a letter to the leaders of Google, Apple and Research in Motion. The letter asked the three technology companies to remove applications that could help drunken drivers avoid DUI checkpoints from their respective app stores. The letter did not specifically cite any particular application but instead it described an application with a database of DUI checkpoints, updated by user input and used by 10 million people.

Each of the three technology companies has their own rules and guidelines regarding the creation and functionality of smartphone apps. Generally, all three companies prohibit the creation of apps that encourage immoral or illegal behavior. Individually, the three companies have responded uniquely to the Senators request. Research in Motion, the company that produces Blackberry devices, has agreed with the request and will remove any DUI checkpoint apps from its app store. Google has acknowledged the letter and has said it will remove any apps that do not comply with its policies. Google has not determined that any apps violate its policies. Finally, Apple has not immediately responded to the letter.

Source: CNET, "RIMS says it will pull drunken-driving apps," Josh Lowensohn, 3/23/11