A change requiring app developers to disclose their address, phone number, and email information to consumers has gone live on the App Store within the European Union. Apple on Tuesday announced it has removed any EU apps that haven’t yet complied with the Digital Services Act (DSA), a regulation that had added a requirement in Articles 30 and 31 that app developers must provide their “trader status” to submit new apps or app updates for distribution in this market.
In an announcement to developers, Apple says that, as of Tuesday, February 18, all apps without trader status have been removed from the EU App Store, and won’t be reinstated until their trader status is provided and verified by Apple.
Data shows that the update has affected several developers. That’s probably because at least some people don’t work as software developers full-time. Over the past 30 hours, around 135,000 apps have stopped functioning on the App Stores of all EU member states, according to app intelligence company Appfigures.
The deadline of February 17, 2025, has long been known to developers, thus today’s statement should not be shocking.
The EU rule, however, has a greater effect on independent and smaller app developers who don’t usually post their phone numbers or addresses for handling customer complaints or questions. These developers typically operate from home and only provide an email address for client service and comments on their website.
The DSA states that any program that generates revenue through the program Store, whether through in-app purchases, paid downloads, or even advertising, qualifies as a “trader.” Additionally, the application would be eligible if it was utilized in conjunction with a “trade, business, craft, or profession”; in other words, this DSA rule would apply to any app that wasn’t a hobby.
The phone number, email address, and address linked to their D-U-N-S Number must be displayed by organizations publishing in the EU App Store. According to the standards, individual developers also have to provide their address, phone number, and email address.
