Apple requires account deletion within apps in AppStore starting January 31 (developer.apple.com)

Article summary

Apple will require apps in the App Store to allow users to delete their accounts within the app starting January 31, 2022. This update to the App Store Review Guideline 5.1.1 aims to give users greater control over their personal data. The requirement applies to all app submissions and encourages developers to review laws that may require them to maintain certain types of data. Developers must also ensure their app clearly explains what data is collected and how it is used.

Main themes

• account deletion
• subscription management
• consumer protection
• app store policies
• data privacy
• recurring payments

What commenters say

• Some users have difficulty canceling subscriptions due to intentionally cumbersome processes designed by companies to retain customers.
• Canceling subscriptions should be a straightforward process that can be done online without requiring phone calls or human intervention.
• Companies that make it hard to cancel subscriptions are taking advantage of users who are averse to confrontation or prefer convenience.
• Allowing users to cancel subscriptions through a standard interface, such as their credit card company or online banking, would be a more consumer-friendly approach.
• The current system can lead to unintended ongoing payments and debt collection issues if users are unable to successfully cancel their subscriptions.
• Some banks and credit card companies offer services that allow users to stop recurring payments, which can be a helpful solution for users who are struggling to cancel subscriptions.
• A service that manages and pays subscriptions, while also allowing users to easily cancel them, could be a valuable solution for consumers.
• Requiring companies to provide clear and easy cancellation options would promote transparency and fairness in the market.