Starting from October 2024Apple will implement a significant change for developers publishing their apps on the European App Store. This change, which has sparked quite a bit of controversy, concerns the requirement to display developers’ contact details directly on the app pages. This is not the result of an independent decision by Apple, but of an adaptation to the new regulations introduced by the Digital Services Act (DSA) of the European Union.
The DSA introduces a series of rules aimed at ensuring greater transparency and online securityand one of these requires digital platforms like the App Store to verify and display the contact information of developers defined as “merchants.” But who falls into this category? According to Apple, Any developer who generates revenue through his app is considered a merchant. This includes not only direct sales on the App Store, but also in-app purchases and advertising revenue. The only ones exempt from this regulation are developers who distribute apps completely free and without advertising.
For individual developers, the new policy requires that the address, phone number, and email associated with the app be displayed. Organizations, however, must provide at least a phone number and email. This information will be visible to the public directly under the app description on the dedicated page on the App Store.
It is not surprising that many developers, especially those with small teams or indie developers, are concerned about this change. Many do not have an address or phone number dedicated exclusively to their work, and will now be forced to make their personal data public. However, Apple has made it clear that there is little it can do to change these rules, as This is a requirement imposed by the European Union.
The deadline to comply is October 16, 2024. From that point on, developers will have to provide their contact details in order to continue publishing new apps or updates on the App Store. Those who do not comply with these guidelines by February 17, 2025will see their apps removed from the European store.
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