The New York Post raised eyebrows over the weekend when it started blocking iPad users trying to visit its Web site via Mobile Safari. Instead of seeing an ad promoting the publication’s iOS app, then showing articles, iPad owners told to download the US$1.99 New York Post app and buy a monthly subscription.
NYPost to iPad owners: Pay up!
The Post isn’t targeting all mobile device users with its new paywall, only iPad owners using Mobile Safari. The site is still open to iPhone and iPod touch users, other mobile devices, and even other Web browsers on the iPad such as Terra.
Mobile Safari users on the iPad are now greeted with this message when visiting the New York Post Web site:
Thanks for coming! NYPOST.com editorial content is now only accessible on the iPad through the New York Post App. If you are a current New York Post App subscriber, please visit the App Store and download the latest version to access NYPOST.com through the INDEX. If you are not a current New York Post App user and would like to subscribe, please download from the App Store. Thank you.
NYPost isn’t blocking iPhone or other mobile browsers like Terra
The change may be just the first step in blocking all mobile devices from accessing the publication’s content without paying, although right now the New York Post seems to be sending a message that says everyone but iPad owners can read articles for free.
The New York Post has not yet responded to The Mac Observer’s request for a comment.
[Thanks to Dave Winer for the heads up.]