App store criticised for unjustified removal of apps

The Apple App Store, recently the subject of media coverage for removing gambling apps at the request of the Norwegian gambling regulator (see previous report) is the focus of attention again this week amid reports from developers that their apps have been wrongfully banned for gambling.

Several developers impacted by the removals have protested that their products had no gambling elements after receiving notifications from the App Store. They included a Polish magazine, a gif-sharing service and a platform for sending clips of Xbox games to friends, according to a BBC report.

The App Store message to developers of the banned apps said that Apple was removing gambling-related apps made by individuals in an effort to “reduce fraudulent activity… and comply with government requests to address illegal online gambling activity”.

The App Store has not thus far responded to the complaints.

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