Apple Limits Tracking and Ads In Kid-Focused Apps

In addition to the "Sign in With Apple" button, Apple announced another privacy-focused measure at its WWDC on Monday: developers are no longer permitted to include third-party ads or analytics tools in apps in the App Store's kid category. Engadget reports: The company laid out the rule in its updated guidelines for app submissions, confirming a report from last week that it would add such additional protections for younger users. Developers are also prohibited from including external links or in-app purchases, unless they're in a section of the app only accessible to parents. Apple also urged developers to be mindful of privacy laws in various jurisdictions regarding the data they collect from kids.

Why just kids' apps ?

[Alain Williams]

Why not all of them ?

Re:

[Anonymous Coward]

Most societies and even species instinctually protect their young from predatory behavior. Mature individuals are expected to deal with such threats themselves and not rely on others to look out for them. It's a fundamental behavior that has been proven to be successful in assuring the continuation of the species.

Tracking to identify user as a subscriber

[tepples]

Society considers adults old enough to subscribe to services. If an application does not track the user in some way, I don't see how the application can determine whether a user has a valid subscription.

Re:

[AmiMoJo]

Adult iPhone users want free apps, which have to be paid for somehow. Also Apple is probably testing the water, seeing how well they can enforce this rule and what impact it has.

Re:

[mjwx]

Why not all of them ?

Because there's good money to be made selling your data.

Note that Apple is only "limiting" not "stopping", so McDonalds can only have 4-5 ads instead of 7-8.

Re: Why just kids' apps ?

[Anonymous Coward]

You thought they were privacy focused? Looolllll

They accept money and let Google track you by default

Re:

[account_deleted]

Comment removed based on user account deletion

Re:

[110010001000]

I'm not Jewish and I also don't use HOST FILES Engine++ by APK.

Re:

[110010001000]

OK I am Jewish and I do use HOST FILES Engine++ by APK.