Apple Removes Apps Without Contact Info from EU App Store - DSA Deadline

New App Store Requirements Impact Developers in the EU

A recent policy change mandates that app developers operating within the European Union disclose contact information – including their address, phone number, and email – to consumers. This update, implemented on the App Store, stems from the Digital Services Act (DSA), specifically Articles 30 and 31.

Compliance with the Digital Services Act

Apple has begun removing applications from the EU App Store that haven't adhered to the new requirements outlined in the DSA. The regulation necessitates that developers clearly indicate their “trader status” when submitting new apps or updates for distribution within the EU market.

As of February 18th, all apps lacking verified trader status have been taken down and will remain unavailable until Apple confirms their compliance.

Significant Number of Apps Affected

Data suggests a substantial number of developers are currently impacted by this change. This is likely due to the fact that many developers engage in app creation as a secondary activity, rather than a full-time profession.

Appfigures, an app intelligence firm, reports that approximately 137,000 apps have become inactive across all EU member state App Stores in the past 30 hours.

Advance Notice and Implementation

Developers were previously informed of the February 17, 2025 deadline, meaning today’s enforcement should not have been unexpected.

Impact on Smaller Developers

The DSA has a particularly pronounced effect on smaller, independent app developers. These developers often do not routinely publicize personal contact details for handling consumer issues.

Many operate from home and typically provide only an email address for feedback and support purposes.

Defining a “Trader” Under the DSA

According to the DSA, any application generating revenue through the App Store is classified as a “trader.” This includes income from paid downloads, in-app purchases, and advertising.

Furthermore, any app connected to a “trade, business, craft or profession” falls under these guidelines, effectively encompassing all but hobbyist applications.

Required Information for Registration

Organizations publishing apps in the EU App Store are required to display their phone number, email address, and physical address, linked to their D-U-N-S Number.

Individual developers must also provide a physical address, phone number, and email address to comply with the regulations.

Developer Responses to the Regulation

To protect their privacy, some smaller developers have opted to register business addresses and phone numbers through third-party services.

Solutions include utilizing coworking spaces, virtual offices, or PO boxes for business addresses, and employing virtual phone numbers instead of personal ones.

Location of Trader Information

Within the EU App Store, the new “trader” information is now displayed beneath other app details, such as the age rating and supported languages, but above the link to the developer’s website.

This article was updated following publication to include recent data released by Appfigures regarding the number of app removals.