BlackBerry updated the criteria it uses to vet apps distributed via BlackBerry World “to prevent content with strong sexual connotations to be distributed through the store”.

The new criteria reflects the company’s “policy of disseminating content that is non-offensive, and to align with standard industry practices”, it said on its developer blog.

BlackBerry claims that there are only a small number of apps that are not in compliance with its new policies, and that developers will be contacted to rectify any issues.

Included in the list of things that can get an app removed from BlackBerry World is pornographic material, obscene or gratuitous violence, hate speech and the promotion of tobacco.

Earlier this month, CEO John Chen claimed that some big names are going against the spirit of net neutrality with their approach to mobile apps and content.