There are over a million apps on Apple’s App Store. These include productivity apps, games, social media, and more. Some are legitimate apps, while some are a little dodgy. However, it seems that Apple is trying to weed its App Store of random anonymous chat apps in a recent update to its App Review Guidelines.
Apple wants to get rid of anonymous chat apps
According to the updated App Review Guidelines, Apple has listed random anonymous chat apps as ones that might be removed from the App Store without notice. “Apps with user-generated content or services that end up being used primarily for pornographic content, Chatroulette-style experiences, random or anonymous chat, objectification of real people (e.g., ‘hot-or-not’ voting), making physical threats, or bullying do not belong on the App Store and may be removed without notice.”
This isn’t the first time Apple has removed these types of apps. Last year, both Apple and Google actually removed OmeTV from their respective app stores. This was following a report from Australia’s eSafety Commissioner on how these types of apps put children at risk. However, 9to5Mac speculates that it could also be related to new apps, like Bitchat.
For those unfamiliar, Bitchat is a new anonymous peer-to-peer chat app by Jack Dorsey. It has been used by protestors in countries like Nepal, Iran, and Uganda.
So, why remove these apps now?
Obviously, companies like Apple are constantly updating their guidelines on what apps are allowed on their App Store. However, the timing of this update is interesting. As 9to5Mac notes, the guideline had previously mentioned apps that provide “Chatroulette-style experiences,” so it’s strange that Apple is mentioning it twice.
But the publication also speculates that the updated language could be used to give the company more leeway when it comes to removing apps. Apple recently blocked ICEBlock and other apps used to report ICE activity. Unsurprisingly, many criticized the company’s decision. By updating its guidelines with broader language, it would make it easier for Apple moving forward.
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