Apple May Remove iOS Apps That Track Users Without Permission

Apple is warning app developers to “play by the rules” or risk having their iOS apps removed when the new rules take effect early next year, a report reveals.

Cupertino tech giant Apple previously worked on adding a new security and privacy feature that will require all iOS app developers to inform users if their apps will collect a unique code that could be used to identify their devices.

The tech giant reportedly delayed the feature to give app developers some time to make the necessary changes. It allowed developers to make sure their apps abide by the privacy rules to not track users without their consent.

App developers, on the other hand, have spoken out against the new feature, claiming that it will “hurt” their advertising businesses. One particular app that openly expressed its worries about the new feature is Facebook, which keeps track of users even outside its platform.

Now, Apple’s senior vice president for software engineering, Craig Federighi, told The Telegraph that the company is seriously implementing the new feature and is requiring all app developers to abide by the rules – or risk having their apps banned from the App Store.

The exec said the company is expecting all app developers who publish their apps in Apple’s ecosystem to adapt to the changes coming to iOS. He then suggested that developers will have no other choice but to do what the iOS App Store owner requires in order to keep publishing their apps in the mobile market.

“There will be policy enforcement. Any form or mechanism of tracking a user for advertising or for providing information to data brokers will have to ask for permissions. Failure to do so is a violation of ‌App Store‌ policy… and are grounds for having an app removed,” Federighi said.

Federighi then emphasized that many app developers know that they have to follow the company’s policies to continue enjoying the perks the iOS App Store brings.

“The largest players understand they have to play by the rules here,” he said.

The new feature will make sure that iOS users will not have to worry about some third-party company acquiring their information, to be sold to the highest bidder. This means apps such as Facebook will no longer be able to monitor their movements even outside the main app. Users also won’t have to worry about Google and other companies working to create profiles for advertising.