Navigating the Latest App Store Compliance Requirements: Account Deletion Policies and What They Mean for Your Mobile App

As mobile app ecosystems grow, so do the standards required to distribute apps through major platforms like Apple’s App Store and Google Play. Among recent changes, both Apple and Google have implemented stricter policies to ensure users can control their data by allowing account deletion directly from within the app. For businesses and developers, these policies require significant updates to both code and user interface, and understanding them can be the difference between a smooth app approval process and unexpected delays. In this post, we’ll break down the latest requirements from Apple and Google, explain which types of apps are affected, and outline how you can best prepare for these new standards.

Why Account Deletion Policies Are Now Essential

Both Apple and Google have introduced account deletion policies as part of their commitment to user privacy and data security, aligning with the increasing global focus on data protection. These policies support a user’s right to data privacy and transparency, which includes the ability to delete any personal information stored within an app. This requirement also aligns with various regulatory standards, such as GDPR and CCPA, that mandate businesses allow users to request full data deletion upon leaving a service.

Apple App Store’s Account Deletion Policy

Apple’s requirement for account deletion was introduced in June 2022, mandating that any app with an account creation feature must also provide an in-app option for users to delete their accounts. Here are some critical details:

1. In-App Deletion: The account deletion feature must be easily accessible within the app. Simply redirecting users to a website for deletion is not sufficient.
2. Full Data Removal: The policy requires that all associated user data be deleted, with specific exceptions only for data that needs to be retained for legal, regulatory, or legitimate business purposes.
3. Transparency: Apple requires apps to disclose any data that will be retained even after deletion, such as transaction histories for financial compliance or fraud prevention logs.

For developers, this means implementing a straightforward account deletion pathway that meets Apple’s usability standards while fully removing personal data as requested by the user.

Google Play’s Account Deletion Policy

Google Play has taken a similar approach, rolling out updated account deletion requirements in early 2024. The main aspects of Google’s policy include:

1. Clear Deletion Process: Google Play also requires that users be able to delete their accounts directly from within the app, rather than being redirected to an external website.
2. Data Transparency: Google mandates that developers disclose what data will be deleted and what, if any, will be retained and for what purpose. This information must be available in the app’s data safety section on the Google Play Store.
3. Focus on Permissions: Google has been restricting access to sensitive permissions (like location and camera access) over recent years. Account deletion is an extension of this goal, ensuring users can fully control their data associated with the app.

Together, these policies reflect Google’s shift towards a safer ecosystem where users have control over their digital footprint. For developers, this requires integrating a secure and user-friendly account deletion process that fully removes user data while complying with any necessary retention obligations.

Exclusions: Are All Apps Subject to These Policies?

The account deletion policies primarily apply to publicly distributed apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. However, certain apps distributed through private or internal channels are not subject to these requirements.

Apple (iOS) Exclusions

• Enterprise Distribution: Apps distributed via Apple’s Developer Enterprise Program or Apple Business Manager are not listed on the public App Store and thus are not required to follow these account deletion policies.
• Custom Apps for Organizations: Similarly, apps distributed within organizations via Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager are exempt.
• Testing Builds: Apps shared for testing through TestFlight are also exempt since they are not intended for public release.

Google (Android) Exclusions

• Internal App Sharing: Google Play allows for internal sharing without the requirement to comply with public listing policies.
• Private Apps via Google Workspace: Organizations can deploy private apps internally through Google Workspace, bypassing the public deletion policy.
• Direct APK Distribution: Android’s open platform allows direct APK distribution, which is commonly used for internal use and does not require adherence to Google Play’s account deletion requirements.

While these exceptions make compliance simpler for certain privately-distributed apps, any app handling personal data should still consider privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA, which require similar account and data deletion functionality in many regions.

Key Takeaways for Compliance and User Trust

These new policies present both a challenge and an opportunity. By offering transparent data handling practices, your app can foster greater user trust, which can lead to increased engagement and loyalty. Here’s a summary checklist to ensure your app remains compliant with Apple’s and Google’s policies:

• Implement an in-app account deletion option that is easy to find and execute.
• Ensure complete data removal for users who delete their accounts, with only necessary retention of legally required data.
• Disclose data retention policies clearly in the app’s privacy settings and the store’s data safety section.
• Test the user experience to ensure the account deletion process meets Apple’s and Google’s usability standards.

Need Assistance Navigating Compliance?

Meeting these standards requires both careful planning and technical execution, and that’s where we come in. At Sofmen Inc., we specialize in building robust, compliant applications that meet the latest privacy and security requirements. Whether you’re developing a new app or updating an existing one to align with Apple’s and Google’s policies, our team is here to help. If you have any questions or need support with implementing account deletion, data management, or other compliance-related features, don’t hesitate to contact us at Sofmen Inc.