Why do well-known programmers insist that 'App Store reviews should be stricter'?

by Miguel

The App Store is known for having rigorous pre-screening that is said to be 'not in the interests of users.' Meanwhile, programmer Miguel de Icaza, who is known as the developer of GNOME , a desktop environment often used in UNIX-based OS, insisted that the examination of apps on the App Store should be 'stricter' and explained the reason. explained.

AppStore Reviews Should be Stricter --Miguel de Icaza
https://tirania.org/blog/archive/2020/Sep-24.html

At the App Store, which is a distribution platform for iOS apps, a dedicated team reviews the apps before they are released to check if there are any problems with the apps. This examination is so strict that it is criticized as 'not in the interests of users'.

An email appealing to CEO Tim Cook that 'App Store app review is not in the interests of users' is talked about --GIGAZINE

by YunHo LEE

Disliked these overly rigorous reviews and high fees, some iOS app developers even use TestFlight , a distribution service for beta testers, as an underground app store.

Apple's beta app distribution service 'Test Flight' is an underground app store --GIGAZINE

'The App Store review is too strict,' while De Ikaza updated his blog on September 24, 2020, claiming that 'the App Store review is too sweet.' He appealed for the need to improve the App Store review and create new rules.

The reason De Ikaza thinks the App Store should be rigorously reviewed is 'protecting iOS users.' De Ikaza said, 'Some developers are closed to the rigor of App Store screening, but it's still malicious, like keeping the existing rules and manipulating the user's psychology to make a lot of money. Acts are rampant. ' The App Store is a very large market, so strict screening is also required to protect many users, he said.

Of particular concern to De Ikaza is fraud and exploitation targeting children. De Ikaza himself is a parent with three children, but what hurt his heart when the child was bothered by the advertisement that lasted for 30 seconds and the advertisement that led to an external site displayed during the game. It seems that there are times.

In addition, Mr. De Ikaza's house has a rule that 'free games and apps with a charge system are basically prohibited'. De Ikaza admits the exception that 'if the game has a good reputation, it is okay to charge within the range of pocket money', but the adverse effect of a game that explicitly tries to charge children is I have a strong concern.

Based on this experience, De Ikaza asked the App Store to regulate the following apps:

・ An app that uses a dark pattern that says 'free for one week' and charges an exorbitant fee the next week.
-Apps that are 'defective in terms of design' such as game apps that cannot be enjoyed without charging.
・ Apps that are covered with advertisements too much, or apps that cannot be used without seeing advertisements for a long time.
・ An app that tricks children into installing bad apps.
・ An app that frequently notifies you of new products and discounts.
・ An app that sells data to third parties.

In addition, De Ikaza has proposed the following improvements to the App Store user interface.

-Formally rule the trial period of paid apps on the App Store side to prevent users from facing high billing, and at the same time, prevent legitimate app developers from spending time on the billing workflow.
-New labels that clearly indicate billing details such as 'unlock functions for a fee', ' subscription service ', and 'sale of virtual coins and items'.
-Improved filtering function.
-Receive reports of fraudulent activity from users.

'I understand why developers are dissatisfied with the App Store review process. As a developer, I miss simple mistakes and push the limits of regulation. I've been struggling with rejections from the App Store, 'he said to the developers who are struggling with the rigorous App Store review.

But on top of that, De Ikaza said, 'There are 1.5 billion devices that access the App Store. What matters is the safety of 1.5 billion active users, not the 5 million developers.' I asked the app developers for their understanding.