Apple Tightens App Store Rules: Focus on AI and Fraud

Apple has significantly updated its App Store review guidelines. The company’s goal is to protect users, including minors, from harmful content that has recently become more frequent on the platform. The new regulations primarily target inappropriate material generated through artificial intelligence and deceptive practices employed by app developers.

Artificial Intelligence and New Security Measures

In recent months, Apple has faced criticism over apps offering so-called "nudify" services using AI. These applications allow users to "remove" clothing from photos, which often poses risks regarding the exploitation of minors and violations of privacy.

Under the updated Rule 1.2, developers are required to implement effective security mechanisms to moderate user-generated content. Apple states that if a developer fails to provide adequate protection or does not rectify a violation after receiving a warning, it will be considered a breach of the "Developer Code of Conduct," resulting in the app being removed from the store or the developer's account being terminated.

Combatting 'Bait-and-Switch' Apps

Apple has also hardened its stance against apps that present one set of features during the review process, only to offer entirely different—and often harmful—capabilities once approved. This practice, known as "bait-and-switch," is frequently used to hide gambling features or mask prohibited AI functions.

Under the new guidelines, any hidden, dormant, or undocumented features are strictly prohibited. The use of code obfuscation or other methods to conceal functionality provides direct grounds for the permanent banning of a developer account. Apple emphasizes that an app's functionality must be clear to both the end user and the App Store review team.

Child Protection and Legal Responsibility

Additionally, Apple has tightened Rule 5, which covers legal issues. The company explicitly states that apps facilitating human trafficking or the exploitation of children will be immediately removed from the App Store. Furthermore, such apps will be prohibited from distribution through alternative channels, marking an unprecedented level of strictness for developers.

These changes are significant on a global scale as Apple seeks to enforce accountability for both the platform owner and app creators. For users, this means a safer digital environment where malicious software and fraudulent schemes—which often exploited regional restrictions—will find it much harder to operate.