As we reported in August, changes to the European Union’s App Store would require developers to provide public addresses and phone numbers that would be visible to customers in the region. As of today, this change is in effect and developers must provide this data to Apple.
New requirements for developers distributing apps on the EU App Store
This requirement is part of a new set of rules for online platforms established by the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). One would require Apple and other companies to verify and display contact information for “vendors” who distribute digital apps. And of course this affects the App Store.
Apple says developers are considered traders under EU rules if they earn any revenue as a result of their apps. This includes direct revenue from App Store sales, as well as in-app purchases and advertising. In other words, only companies distributing free apps without ads will no longer have to provide such information.
Currently, developers must provide public trader data to submit new apps and updates to the App Store. Otherwise, they cannot do so. Apple announced that developers who do not submit a public address and phone number by February 17, 2025 will have their apps removed from the App Store in the EU.
Many developers are frustrated by not having a specific phone number or address for work and having to provide personal data. Unfortunately, there’s not much Apple can do about it since it’s only EU compliant.
For individual developers, the DSA requires the EU App Store to display their address or post office box, telephone number, and email address. For organizations, only a phone number and email address are required. Users can find this information just below each app’s description in the App Store.
For more information, please visit the Apple Developer website.
Please also read
FTC: We use automated affiliate links that generate income. more.
