Cupertino/Berlin, February 18, 2025 – Apple has removed all apps from its European Union App Store that have not provided the required contact information mandated by the Digital Services Act (DSA).
The new requirement, outlined in Articles 30 and 31 of the DSA, compels app developers to disclose their address, phone number, and email when submitting new apps or updates for distribution in the EU.
Apple announced on Tuesday that as of the DSA deadline, all apps lacking “trader status” information have been deactivated. The company confirmed that these apps will remain offline until developers supply and verify the necessary details. According to app intelligence provider Appfigures, nearly 135,000 apps have been removed from EU member state App Stores over the past 30 hours.
The DSA stipulates that any app generating revenue - whether through paid downloads, in-app purchases, or advertising—or used in connection with a trade, business, craft, or profession, must provide this information. The regulation aims to ensure transparency and accountability, particularly as it relates to consumer rights and public interest research.
The new trader information is now prominently displayed in the EU App Store, appearing below the app’s age rating and supported languages, but above the link to the developer’s website. This change has had a significant impact on smaller and independent developers who often operate as hobbyists or run their businesses from home, typically listing only an email address for customer support. Many have had to resort to using coworking spaces, virtual offices, or PO boxes to comply with the new requirements while safeguarding their privacy.
Developers were aware of the February 17, 2025 deadline, but the swift implementation of these measures underscores the strict enforcement of the DSA. As Apple continues to review and verify compliance, affected apps will only be reinstated once all required trader status details are provided.
The purge highlights the broader impact of the DSA on digital marketplaces in the EU, reinforcing the balance between regulatory oversight and the operational challenges faced by developers in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
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