Apple‘s School Film Sparks Controversy; Oslo School District Demands Its Removal
OSLO — Apple’s new film promoting digital technology in classrooms has sparked controversy, with the Oslo School District demanding its removal. The film, seen as a form of advertisement, has raised concerns about the district’s involvement.
In an interview with TV 2, spokesman Steinar Gerhardsen confirmed that the district has requested Apple to withdraw the film. "We see that the film can be perceived as advertising, and it’s problematic for us as a school district to be a part of this. Therefore, we’ve asked Apple to remove the film today," Gerhardsen stated.
The district plans to review how it handles such requests in the future, aiming to avoid contributing to product marketing. Several critics, including Oslo City Council member Julie Remen Midtgarden (H), have slammed the decision to involve schools in the film. "It’s the right decision by the Education Department to ask Apple to remove the film," she told NTB.
On Thursday evening, news broke that Apple had complied with the request. "Apple has confirmed they’re removing the film," said Linda Sørfjord, senior advisor at Oslo School District, in a statement to Utdanningsnytt. The link where the film was previously hosted now displays the message: "Cannot find the site you are looking for."
Apple did not respond to NTB’s inquiries on Thursday.
