Apple's news app criticised over claims the company is hoodwinking bloggers

Apple's chief executive Tim Cook appeared onstage at WWDC, where the firm's news app was announced

Apple's forthcoming news app has been criticised over claims the company is hoodwinking bloggers into accepting its terms and conditions.

An unsolicited email from Apple inviting publishers to join the service presumes acceptance of the terms, unless they actively opt out.

It requires them to cover Apple if legal issues arise, among other things.

Apple, which is due to launch the app later this year, refused to comment on the row.

The terms read: "If we receive a legal claim about your RSS content, we will tell you so that you can resolve the issue, including indemnifying Apple if Apple is included in the claim."

Agreement to that, and other terms, is a prerequisite for being included in the forthcoming app.