Apple took a big step! More than 135K apps were removed from the App Store, know the reason
Apple has taken a big step to increase the transparency of its App Store. The company has decided to remove more than 135K apps that do not comply with the new rules of the European Union (EU). This is considered to be the biggest app removal action till date.
Why were so many apps removed?
Apple has removed those apps whose developers did not share their trader information i.e. address, phone number and email address. According to the new EU rules, all app developers are required to clarify their trader status. If this information is not provided, Apple will ban that app.
What is the Digital Services Act?
The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) imposes new rules for online platforms to ensure the safety of consumers. The law came into force in August 2023, but was made mandatory for all online platforms from February 17, 2024.
Under Articles 30 and 31 of the DSA, any developer who wants to release a new app or update in the EU must share their contact details. Apple had warned developers that if they did not submit their trader status by February 17, their apps would be removed. Now the company is strictly enforcing this rule.
What is trader information and why is it important?
According to Apple, trader information includes address, phone number and email address, which Apple will display on its App Store page. This information will be public to all EU users. If the app is created by an organization, it must provide contact details along with a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number.
If the app belongs to an individual developer, it must provide its address, phone number and email address. Even if an app developer is not selling apps in the EU, it must still declare its trader status.
Many developers have been affected by this big decision of Apple. If a developer wants to keep his app in the App Store, he will have to update his trader information as soon as possible.
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