If you’re an iPhone user who downloads apps from the App Store, there’s some important news for you. Tech giant Apple has recently taken significant action by removing approximately 135,000 apps from its platform. This move aims to enhance transparency within the App Store.
As background, Apple had set a deadline of February 17 for app developers to submit their trader information. However, due to a lack of compliance from millions of apps, the company enforced a ban, leading to the removal of around 135,000 apps in just a few days, in accordance with European Union regulations.
Action taken in response to EU guidelines
It’s important to note that under EU regulations, app developers are required to disclose their trade status. This means that to list their apps on the App Store, developers must provide essential details, such as their address, email ID, and phone number. Failure to submit this information has resulted in the prohibition of their apps.
A Digital Services Act has been introduced for online platforms in Europe. While it was temporarily enforced in 2023, it became fully effective on February 17, 2025. This timeline is why app developers were given until February 17 to comply.
Apple has made it clear that the apps will remain banned until the necessary trader information is provided. This action represents the most extensive measure taken by Apple since the inception of the App Store.
In other news, the government has recently announced that all mobile phone companies in the country must register every person who sells SIM cards to customers. While this rule has been around for a while, they have now given companies more time to follow it, with a new deadline set for March 31, 2025. The purpose of this update is to strengthen the rules on how SIM cards are issued in order to help prevent cyber fraud. Additionally, the government will take action against anyone who has more than a certain number of SIM cards registered in their name.
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