Apple Bans 135,000 Apps From App Store In Biggest Action Ever

Apple has taken big steps to improve transparency on its App Store and slapped a ban on a number of apps. In fact, over the past two days, more than 135,000 apps whose developers failed to supply trader information have been taken down by Apple from the App Store in EU member states, according to statistics from Appfigures (via TechCrunch). Since the App Store's launch, this would be the biggest removal of apps by Apple.

In its biggest such action ever, Apple said on its website that apps without trader status have been removed from the App Store in the EU until trader status is provided and verified by Apple.

Why Apple banned these apps from App Store: The reason these apps were removed in this massive action was because they were not disclosing their address, phone number, and email information to consumers. The app developers must provide their "trade status", as per the new EU rules. If the contact details are missing, Apple will ban the app.

Notably, the Digital Services Act of the European Union established a set of guidelines for online platforms with the aim of safeguarding consumers, and it went into force temporarily in August 2023.

With Articles 30 and 31 requiring app developers to disclose their trader contact information in order to submit new apps or app updates for distribution on EU territory, the DSA went into effect for all online platforms on Feb. 17, 2024.

Apple had warned developers that if they did not submit their trader status by Monday, Feb. 17, their apps would be banned from the App Store in order to comply with the European Union mandate. And the tech giant is doing so in full force.

According to Apple, trader contact information includes an address, phone number, and email address that traders need to provide to Apple for posting on their App Store product page in accordance with the DSA. Once verified, Apple publishes this information on the trader’s App Store product page when their app is distributed in EU territories. Even if traders don’t distribute apps in the EU, they still need to declare a trader status.

While organisations need to submit their phone number, email, and address associated with their Data Universal Numbering System number on their App Store product pages, individuals must submit their address/P.O. box, phone number, and email address.