Apple censors saucy SMS with patent to tackle sexting

Apple is planning to censor your text messages with a patent that stops your iPhone sending a saucy SMS. The technology will give parents a way to prevent their kids sending rude messages, also known as sexting. They're all at it, apparently.

The US Patent and Trademark office has granted Apple the patent, entitled 'Text-based communication control for personal communication device'. A parent, boss or particularly controlling other half can set up assorted permission options. Texts are checked before they're sent, and if they're brimming with fruity language they simply won't send.

Your iPhone can even grass you up by sending notifications to the administrator. Foul-mouthed incoming messages can also be blocked before they can pollute your innocent eyes.

As well as protecting our innocence, the technology can be used as a kind of spellcheck to reject messages written with bad grammar, forcing kids 2 stp da an0ying txt spk.

Sensible precaution or flagrant censorship? It's not the first time prurient Apple has attempted to shield our delicate sensibilities from such filth as boobs, the English language, and Katy Perry. Won't somebody think of the children!