Apple is banning around 135000 apps from its app store, which is being considered one of the biggest app removals ever since its launch. This is done to increase the transparency on the Apple app store. Over the span of two days, many apps that failed to submit the trader information were removed from the app store in European Union member states. If you are someone who wants to know exactly why these removals are happening, this article is for you. It brings you all the must-know information about Apple removing 135000 apps from the app store. The following article includes a detailed explanation of the reasons Apple had to take action on these apps.
Apple Bans 135000 Apps From App Store
The Reason Behind The Bans
The main reason behind the app bans is their failure to comply with the new European Union rules. According to the new rulings, the apps will have to disclose their address, phone number, and email information to the users. The app developers who failed to provide their trade status had to suffer a ban on their apps in the European Union member states. The new rulings will have Apple ban apps that have the contact information missing. This is done mainly to increase the levels of transparency between the app developers and the app users.
What Is The Digital Services Act That Is Responsible For These Bans?
The European Union, with the Digital Services Act, established an all-new set of rules and guidelines for online platforms. The Act that aims to safeguard the consumer interest came into temporary force in the month of August 2023. Articles 30 and 31 of this Act require app developers to disclose their contact information if they wish to submit their apps or any updates in the EU member states. The Digital Services Act came into full effect on the 17th of February 2024. Apple issued a warning to the app developers to comply with the DSA till the 17th of February this year. Those who failed to do so now have their apps banned.
Why Is Disclosing Trader Contact Information Mandatory?
Trader contact information basically includes an address, phone number, as well as an email address that the app developers must provide to Apple. This information has to be posted on the product page of their app store in order to comply with the Digital Services Act. Apple will verify the information and then post the information on the trader’s App Store product page. This will happen when the app is distributed to the member states of the European Union.
The traders who don’t distribute apps to the member states of the European Union still have to submit their trader status. The organizations will have to submit the trade information that is associated with the Universal Numbering System number. The individuals will have to submit their phone numbers, email addresses, and their addresses/P.O. boxes.
Constant Warnings Issued To App Developers
According to the DSA, if your app makes money through in-app purchases, advertisements, or one-time downloads, you must comply with it. The European Union wants such app developers to provide contact information for users to refer to in case of grievances. The hobby projects are exempted but apps running businesses are not. The users can now find the trader’s status between the age rating and the languages supported on the product page.
Apple has been issuing multiple warnings to app developers to comply with the new rules the EU has set. Therefore, the bans are not much of a surprise. The apps that did not comply with the rules were destined to suffer such bans on their distribution. However, the impact of these bans is still huge. Many developers who worked from home relied on support email. They are now looking into solutions like virtual offices and co-working spaces. All of the hassle just to comply with the new rules the EU has established.
