Apple: Beginning October 3, all App Store apps must have a privacy policy

Apple has sent a notice to app developers informing them that all software in the App Store must have a privacy policy by October 3. That applies to all new apps and updates.

In the announcement, Apple writes that a privacy policy is required if an app is offered for distribution via the App Store or via TestFlight, which allows developers to have their software tested by beta testers. Moreover, a supplied privacy policy, in the form of a link or a text, can only be changed in combination with a new version of the corresponding app.

According to 9to5Mac, the requirement for a privacy policy already existed for apps that use subscriptions. In a separate document, Apple explains what should be in a privacy policy. For example, which data is collected, how this is done and for what purpose.

In addition, developers must ensure that third parties who access the data offer the same protection. It must also be clear how long data is stored and what the rights of users are. These are more or less the requirements that are also imposed by the GDPR on processors of personal data in the context of their information obligation.