- Soon, App Store will not accept apps without detailed privacy information
- Privacy labels have been announced as part of the new iOS 14 features
- Developers will not be able to release updates for apps as of December 8
Apple reminded developers to submit privacy information for their apps using App Store Connect. The information is to be used for a new privacy label feature added to each App Store app.
Apple announced the new privacy feature during WWDC, and it will see apps providing specific details on the information that is collected from users when an app is downloaded. Apple has likened the privacy feature to a nutritional label for apps, and developers are required to self-report the information.
Developers need to provide details on what types of data the app collects from customers and whether that data is linked to them or used to track them.
Why did Apple change Privacy Labels?
The detailed information will be turned into “privacy labels” for apps. With this, users can see how their data is being handled. The labels will show up on apps’ pages in the App Stores so that users will see it at the moment of download instead of having to parse through lengthy privacy policies.
Developers can submit the information via the App Store Connect website, according to Apple. Once submitted, it’s up to them to keep the information up-to-date and to make sure it reflects any changes in the app – a potential loophole, according to some researchers.
The new privacy label for Apple’s App Store
Apple debuted a collection of privacy features when it announced iOS 14. But. the company’s privacy “nutrition label” concept did not arrive with the launch of the new operating system in September.
Apple announces that developers will be required to provide the information for those “labels” starting December 8th.
The labels list what information an app collects, and present that visually on the app page. It is much like looking at the backs of labels in a grocery store.
