As of today, Apple has removed apps lacking verified trader status from the App Store within the European union (EU). This action is a direct response to new requirements outlined in the Digital Services Act (DSA), a landmark piece of EU legislation designed to create a safer and more accountable online habitat.
The DSA mandates that online platforms,including app stores,no who their users are,especially those offering goods or services within the EU. To comply, developers must identify themselves as “traders” – a legal designation for those engaged in commercial activity – and provide specific information to Apple for verification. Account Holders or Admins within the Apple Developer Program are responsible for entering this status within App Store Connect.
This isn’t simply a matter of ticking a box.The DSA aims to increase transparency and accountability for businesses operating online, protecting consumers from illegal content and counterfeit goods. By requiring trader status verification, Apple is ensuring that app developers are identifiable and can be held responsible for their offerings.
Apps that haven’t submitted and had their trader status verified will remain unavailable for download and updates in the EU until compliance is achieved. This impacts a wide range of developers, from large corporations to individual creators offering in-app purchases or paid services.
Further information on what constitutes a “trader” and detailed instructions on how to enter your status in App Store Connect are available on Apple’s developer website. Developers are urged to review these resources and promptly submit the required information to restore access to their apps for EU users.
The implementation of the DSA and Apple’s response represent a meaningful shift in the regulatory landscape for app distribution in Europe. It signals a broader trend towards increased scrutiny of online platforms and a greater emphasis on consumer protection and responsible business practices.
