Apple removes thousands of applications due to the requirements of Digital Services Law
Apple has removed thousands of applications from the European Union App Store, as it did not comply with the Digital Services Law, which requires developers to give a verified address, E -mail and phone number.
This movement is part of Apple’s efforts to comply with new regulations aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in digital markets. Developers who do not send the necessary information will see that their applications are listed until they provide and confirm their traders.
Why does Apple remove applications from EU App Store
The European legislation, which is a turning point, requires all investors who distribute applications in the EU to view contact information – allows consumers to identify and access enterprises more easily.
Apple has brought the need for a “trader status için for developers explaining the contact information. This information is published on the App Store product page when an application is available in an EU member state.
Since October 16, 2024, Apple required a merchant situation for developers sending new applications or updates For the App Store in the EU. It also began to warn that the current applications of developers without traders will be removed from EU showcases on February 17, 2025.
Applications will not be restored without confirmed merchant.
Since the date of history has passed, the affected applications will not be sent back EU App Store “Until the trader status is provided by Apple and confirmed.” Developers can send their details and apply to the trader via the App Store Connect.
Organizations will have already given their addresses by sending Duns numbers, but individuals will have to send them with their numbers and e -mails, even if they do not want to public records.
Digital Services Law: What developers should know
The Digital Services Law has been in force since 2022; However, it has become completely applicable only for everyone regulated assets On February 17, 2024. Before that, with more than 45 million active users in the EU, including the App Store, only “very large” online services – most of them had to comply with the provisions.
The special requirement for developers to declare their traders status has become compulsory for all platforms, including very large services on February 2024, but they were given a 12 -month transition period.
Who characterizes it as a merchant within the scope of DSA?
Articles 30 and 31 of the law require online platforms to collect and verify the merchant contact information and make them clearly accessible to consumers. Traders are defined as any person or organization that provides goods or services in the EU, regardless of their location for commercial purposes.
An application developer can be considered as a merchant:
- Get income from paid applications, in -app purchases or ads.
- It is registered for VAT in the EU.
- Instead of a hobby, develop applications professionally.
Apple’s wider harmony efforts
Beyond the application removal, Apple has taken other measures in the last few months to ensure DSA compatibility. DSA Transparency ReportDetailing content control and compatibility measures. Also a correction mechanism Thus, developers can object to content control decisions.
Apple’s approach emphasizes how platforms are forced to adapt to more strict rules in digital accountability and consumer protection.
