It has been brought to my attention that a company's app. rapidsos haven, requires personal information to be filled in: Name, Mobile Phone # and Email address before one can download the app. I believe this is not allowed by Apple's Terms of Use. Has apple changed the rules?
iPhone 6s Plus, iOS 11.4
No. The App Store does not allow any App to require any information before download. The download is direct, and automatic. There's no way for an App to require info before downloading from the App Store.
The App can require access to certain things from the system once installed, such as your location in the case of the RapidSOS App but it does so automatically when you download it. The App is required to disclose this, and its specified in the App's details in its entry in the App Store. By downloading the App you agree to these requirements. Though you can of course turn off certain requirements in the App's settings on your device after installation.
Whatever other info the App requires after installation is not really controlled by Apple, and its up to you to decide whether this is something you are o.k. with or not.
IdrisSeabright wrote:
RPirolo wrote:
It has been brought to my attention that a company's app. rapidsos haven, requires personal information to be filled in: Name, Mobile Phone # and Email address before one can download the app. I believe this is not allowed by Apple's Terms of Use. Has apple changed the rules?
I just downloaded RapidSOS Haven without providing any personal data.
Yup. Same here.
As said there is no mechanism in place for Apps to require information before downloading directly from the App Store.
RPirolo wrote:
Let me recap the issue. Yes you can download it but not use it until you join. Regardless it still required a person to give up their personal information to continue.
Yes, that's true. But, that wasn't the question you asked. You specifically asked if Apple's rules preventing developers from asking for personal information before the download had been changed.
I don't believe Apple has ever had a rule preventing a developer from asking for information in order to use an app once it has been downloaded. My employer just switch to a new HR system. There is an app. I can download it. But, without my work information, I can't use it. Another example would be the apps that carriers have provided to allow you to access your accounts. Or banks. You can download an app for any bank you want. But, you can't use it if you don't provide your account information. I have used other apps that aren't connected to any other type of account that require you to sign up in order to use them.
RPirolo wrote:
Let me recap the issue. Yes you can download it but not use it until you join. Regardless it still required a person to give up their personal information to continue.
That's fairly normal of most Apps that offer services, and even more so when its a app meant to help you in times of distress. Don't see what the issue is, with an app of that type requiring certain information. How else would it work, if it knew nothing about you?
For instance my Bank's App requires my Credit Number, and pin code to let see my account, and access my statement. Its personal information, but its expected the App needs it to work.
A distress based App such as RapidSOS is expected to ask for information. Otherwise it doesn't work. If it does not know where you are, what your name is, or possibly other personal information to help you it cannot possibly work to help you. It may also require the creation of an account with them. Again nothing specially nefarious about it. Many Apps require you make accounts with them to work.
What is it asking for you do not wish to provide? Why the issue?
You can read the terms and conditions and privacy policy of the App to make sure your data is safe with them. Otherwise, you are free to not use the app at all.
You don't need to provide anything to download the application, although subscribing to a service may require additional information. An application needs to declare its intent and get permission to access various data stores such as contacts, but can't get information specific to a device - Apple doesn't provide any APIs to do that.
RPirolo wrote:
It has been brought to my attention that a company's app. rapidsos haven, requires personal information to be filled in: Name, Mobile Phone # and Email address before one can download the app. I believe this is not allowed by Apple's Terms of Use. Has apple changed the rules?
I just downloaded RapidSOS Haven without providing any personal data.
Hi Phil thank you for your response. I have been developing apps for several years and have never seen a way to acquire personal information as Rapidsos is doing. Wouldn't it be nice for all us developers to gain personal contact information. Your comments confirm my position, that is is diffidently against Apple's Terms of Use. For some strange reason I have brought this information to Apple's Management but they fail to do anything about this. It is not fair in my opinion for competitors to have an advantage, or can bend the rules for that advantage.
Let me recap the issue. Yes you can download it but not use it until you join. Regardless it still required a person to give up their personal information to continue.
Thank you for the clarification. I really appreciate the help on this matter.
Rob
When exactly is RapidOS requiring personal information?
What type of personal information is it requiring?
Given the nature of the App, its not unreasonable that they may require some information from you or family members included in their service. Including their location.
Downloading it directly from the App Store should not and cannot request any information prior to downloading.
If you have issues with a specific App, you can log in to https://reportaproblem.apple.com and raise an issue with it.
Apple verifies all Apps comply with their App Store terms and conditions before allowing them.
If RapidSOS is requiring information from their own website before providing the download link, that falls outside of the scope of the App Store rules and terms.
Does Apple allow personal information to be acquired before an app can be downloaded
