In a recent move, Apple has removed a significant number of apps from its App Store, complying with requests made by governments across various countries. The company’s commitment to privacy, security, and content standards has prompted a thorough review of the apps available on its platform. Apple’s 2022 App Store Transparency Report sheds light on the measures taken to combat fraud and ensure the well-being of developers and customers within 175 countries and regions.
Among the vast array of apps affected, a total of 1474 applications were removed from the App Store based on government requests. China accounted for the highest number of removed apps, with an astonishing count of 1435. India followed with a request to remove 14 apps, while the government of Pakistan requested the removal of 10 apps. It is important to note that the removals are limited to the storefronts falling under the jurisdiction of the requesting entity, allowing the apps to remain accessible in all other storefronts.
Throughout 2022, Apple received a total of 18,412 appeals from various agencies worldwide, seeking the removal of specific apps. China led with 5,484 appeals, and India contributed 709 appeals for app removals. In response to these appeals, Apple reinstated 24 apps in India. As of 2022, the App Store hosted an extensive collection of 1,783,232 apps.
During the same period, Apple meticulously reviewed 6,101,913 app submissions, resulting in the rejection of 1,679,694 apps due to violations of App Store policies. However, out of the rejected submissions, 253,466 apps were eventually approved following necessary revisions. In total, the number of apps removed from the App Store in 2022 reached 186,195.
Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times