Changes that require app developers to disclose their address, phone number and email information to consumers have been published on the App Store within the European Union. On Tuesday, Apple announced it had removed EU apps that have not yet complied with the Digital Services Act (DSA). This is a regulation that adds requirements to Articles 30 and 31 where APP developers must provide “trader status” in order to provide “trader status.” App or updates for distribution in this market.
In an announcement to developers, Apple said that as of Tuesday, February 18th, all apps with no trader status will be removed from the EU App Store, and trader status will be provided and not revived until it is verified by Apple. It states.
Many developers are affected by change, data shows. Perhaps that’s because at least some people don’t develop apps as their full-time job. App Intelligence Provider AppFigures shows that nearly 135,000 apps have been deactivated in all EU member state app stores over the past 30 hours.
The developers have known for a while about the deadline for February 17, 2025, so today’s announcement should not be a surprise.
However, EU law has had a major impact on small, indie app developers who normally don’t publish addresses or phone numbers to deal with consumer complaints and inquiries. Often, these developers work from home and usually simply list their email addresses on their website for feedback and customer support.
According to DSA, an app that makes money through the App Store can be considered a “trader” whether its revenue comes through paid downloads, in-app purchases, or advertising. The app is also eligible if used in connection with “trading, business, crafts, or occupation.” This means that anything that is not a lovers app is covered by these DSA guidelines.
Organizations published on the EU App Store must display the phone, email, and address associated with their DUNS numbers. Meanwhile, individual developers must also include addresses, phone and email, according to the guidelines.
Small developers have realised that they need to register their addresses and phone numbers through third parties to provide some protection and privacy as a result of the new regulations. For example, some developers have used coworking spots, virtual offices, or PO boxes as business addresses, while others do not provide private numbers for publication in public app stores; I signed up for a virtual phone number.
In the EU App Store, new “trader” information is now located under other app details, such as age ratings and supported languages, but above links to developer websites.
After publication, it was updated with newly released data on the number of deletions from AppFigures.