The App Store within the European Union has implemented a change that mandates app developers to disclose their contact information, including address, phone number, and email, to consumers. As of Tuesday, Apple has announced the removal of EU apps that have not complied with the Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires app developers to provide their “trader status” to submit new apps or updates for distribution in the EU market.

In a statement to developers, Apple confirmed that as of February 18, all apps without trader status have been removed from the EU App Store and will not be reinstated until their trader status is provided and verified by Apple. This move is in line with the DSA’s Articles 30 and 31, which added the requirement for app developers to disclose their contact information.

The impact of this change is significant, with data from app intelligence provider Appfigures indicating that nearly 135,000 apps have gone inactive on EU member state App Stores over the last 30 hours. This is likely due to the fact that many developers, particularly smaller and indie developers, are not used to sharing their personal contact information publicly.

Developers were aware of the February 17, 2025 deadline for compliance, so the removal of non-compliant apps should not come as a surprise. However, the EU law has had a disproportionate impact on smaller and indie app developers who typically work from home and only list an email address on their website for customer support.

According to the DSA, any app that generates revenue through the App Store, whether through paid downloads, in-app purchases, or advertising, is considered a “trader” and must comply with the regulation. Additionally, apps used in connection with a “trade, business, craft, or profession” are also subject to the DSA guidelines, meaning that hobbyist apps are exempt.

To comply with the regulation, organizations publishing in the EU App Store must display their phone, email, and address associated with their D-U-N-S Number. Individual developers must also provide an address, phone number, and email, as per the guidelines.

Many smaller developers have found it necessary to register addresses and phone numbers through third-party services to maintain their privacy and security. Some have used coworking spots, virtual offices, or PO boxes as their business addresses, while others have opted for virtual phone numbers instead of sharing their personal numbers.

The new “trader” information is now displayed below other app details, such as age rating and supported languages, but above the link to the developer website in the EU App Store.

This article has been updated with newly released data about the number of removals from Appfigures.