A significant shift has taken place for app developers within the European Union, as a new regulation now mandates the disclosure of their address, phone number, and email information to consumers on the App Store. This change is in alignment with the Digital Services Act (DSA), specifically guided by Articles 30 and 31, which require app developers to share their “trader status” for submitting new apps or updates in this region.
As of February 18, Apple has enforced this regulation by removing any EU apps that have not complied with these new requirements. This means that any apps lacking trader status will not be available on the EU App Store until the necessary information is provided and verified by Apple.
While developers were aware of the February 17, 2025, deadline, this enforcement action underscores the urgency for compliance. The regulation has proven to be more challenging for smaller and indie developers, who typically do not disclose personal contact details like addresses or phone numbers. Many of these developers operate from home and only offer an email address for customer interactions.
Under the DSA, any app generating income via the App Store qualifies as a “trader.” This includes revenue derived from paid downloads, in-app purchases, or advertising. Essentially, any app linked to a trade, business, craft, or profession needs to comply with this guideline — encompassing virtually all but hobbyist apps.
Organizations on the EU App Store are required to list their contact details corresponding to their D-U-N-S Number. Individual developers must also provide an address, phone, and email. This new mandate has led smaller developers to seek alternative solutions, such as registering with third-party services to maintain privacy. Many have opted for coworking spaces, virtual offices, or PO boxes as business addresses. Virtual phone numbers are also a popular choice to protect personal information.
In the EU App Store, the new “trader” information is strategically placed below app details like age ratings and supported languages but sits above the link to the developer’s website, ensuring that users can easily access the necessary contact information. This added disclosure aims to enhance transparency and consumer trust in the digital marketplace.
