Apple Bans 135,000 Apps From App Store Suddenly
Apple has banned several apps and made significant efforts to increase transparency in the App Store. Indeed, according to data from Appfigures, apple removed around 135,000 applications from the App Store in EU member states in the last two days because their creators neglected to provide trader information.
This would be Apple's largest software removal since the software Store's debut. In the largest such step to date, apple said on its website that applications lacking trader status have been taken out of the EU App Store until apple provides and verifies trader status.
The reasons behind Apple's decision to prohibit these apps from the App Store were that they failed to provide users with their address, phone number, and email address. According to the new EU regulations, the app creators are required to disclose their "trade status". The software will be banned by apple if the contact information is absent.
Notably, the european Union's wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital Services Act, which temporarily came into effect in august 2023, created a set of rules for online platforms to protect consumers.
Notably, the european Union's wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital Services Act, which temporarily came into effect in august 2023, created a set of rules for online platforms to protect consumers.
The DSA entered into effect for all online platforms on february 17, 2024, with Articles 30 and 31 mandating app developers to reveal their trader contact information when submitting new applications or app updates for distribution on EU territory.
To comply with the european union rule, apple has told developers that their apps will be removed from the App Store if they do not register their trader status by Monday, february 17. And the tech behemoth is throwing its whole weight behind it.
To comply with the european union rule, apple has told developers that their apps will be removed from the App Store if they do not register their trader status by Monday, february 17. And the tech behemoth is throwing its whole weight behind it.
Apple claims that in compliance with the DSA, traders must give apple their address, phone number, and email address in order for apple to put it on their App Store product page. When an app is distributed in EU countries, apple posts this information on the trader's App Store product page after it has been validated. Traders must register their merchant status even if they do not distribute apps in the EU.
Individuals must include their address/P.O. box, phone number, and email address on their App Store product pages, while organizations must include their phone number, email address, and address linked to their Data Universal Numbering System number.