Apple Bans a Record 135,000 Apps in Major Crackdown

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Apple has taken significant action to improve transparency on its App Store, removing over 135,000 apps from the App Store in EU countries. This is the largest removal of apps by Apple since the App Store’s launch. The apps were taken down because their developers failed to provide required trader information, such as their address, phone number and email.

The reason for this mass removal is to comply with new European Union regulations, particularly the Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA, which came into effect for online platforms on February 17, 2024, mandates that app developers disclose their contact information before submitting apps or updates for distribution in the EU. If developers do not provide this information, Apple is required to remove their apps.

The DSA requires developers to disclose their trader status by providing an address, phone number, and email, which will be published on the app’s product page on the App Store when distributed in the EU. Even if the app isn't available in the EU, developers still need to declare their trader status.

Apple had given developers a deadline of February 17, 2024, to submit this information or face removal from the App Store. Apple’s move is a direct response to the EU’s new rules to protect consumers online and ensure transparency.