Amazon yesterday updated its Kindle for iOS app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

Version 3.6.1 was meant to fix a few bugs as well as the registration process.

However it appears to be having the opposite effect - as owners watched their Amazon digital libraries and settings erase.

The online retailer has a development centre in Dublin and a customer service centre in Cork.

The company said "We have identified an issue with the app update that may cause your app to become de-registered".

'A known issue with this update'

"To register, enter your Amazon account e-mail address and password and all your Amazon content will be available in the cloud. We have submitted an update fix for this issue and are working with Apple to release" it added.

Some users who complained about the update said 'The update deleted all books from my iPad, and I had to register again, creating a second name for the same iPad. It’s like starting all over again'.

Amazon has acknowledged the bug, saying "There is a known issue with this update. If you are an existing Kindle for iOS user, we recommend you do not install this update at this time".