All third-party iOS, iPadOS, and macOS apps that allow users to create an account should also provide a method for terminating their accounts from within the apps beginning next year, Apple said on Wednesday.
“This requirement applies to all app submissions starting January 31, 2022,” the iPhone maker said, urging developers to “review any laws that may require you to maintain certain types of data, and to make sure your app clearly explains what data your app collects, how it collects that data, all uses of that data, your data retention/deletion policies.”
While the feature could be convenient, it’s worth noting that Apple only says the mechanism should have a provision for users to “initiate deletion of their account from within the app,” meaning it’s possible that apps could redirect users to a website or prompt them to send an email in order actually to purge their information.
The reminder follows updates to App Store Review Guideline 5.1.1 that the company announced in June that aims to give users more control regarding data collection, usage, retention, and removal of personal data. The changes also require app developers to include a link to their privacy policy that explicitly spells out what kinds of data are being gathered, how the collection happens, and how it’s being put to use.
The development also comes after Apple reintroduced a “Report a Problem” link to App Store app pages on iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS Monterey, enabling users to report concerns with the downloaded apps in an effort to combat fraud and voice other quality issues. The feature is currently available for users in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the U.S., with plans to expand to other regions in the future.
