New EU specification
Apple throws 137,000 programs from the app store
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The EU decides that app providers have to provide more data about itself. Because many do not meet the request, their applications disappear from Apple's app store. Severing the programs again is very easy.
Apple has rigorously cleaned up in the course of new EU requirements: Around 137,000 apps have disappeared from the European app store for a week. The background is the Digital Services Act (DSA) of the European Union, which places stricter demands on app providers.
The DSA requires app providers to disclose specific contact information from app providers who earn money with their applications. So far, an email address has often been sufficient, but in the future a telephone number and a postal address for individuals will also be required. This should increase transparency and security for users.
Apple had already warned app developers in mid-January: Anyone who does not update their “trader” status within the meaning of the DSA risk to be removed from the digital store. As of February 17, Apple has now made this threat come true. According to the app analysis company apple figures, more than 137,000 applications are affected, as the “Techcrunch” industry portal reports.
EU regulation sees eexception before
Small and independent developers in particular have apparently been shy about bureaucratic effort. Many do without fully specifying their contact details – be it from data protection concerns or because of the administrative additional effort.
Apple emphasizes that the regulation applies regardless of whether developers are subject to VAT or how they achieve sales. Exceptions only exist for hobby developers who do not pursue any commercial intentions.
In order to bring their apps back to the store, developers have to update their status and submit the required contact information via app store confintions. It is also necessary to confirm that the products or services offered meet EU requirements. Apple then checks the data and unlocks the program again. The company does not provide any information about how long this takes.
