The Inquirer

Apple boots out apps that are compromising user privacy and security

In-app ad blocker Been Choice among the affected

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ad-blockingAPPLE HAS REMOVED an undisclosed number of apps from the App Store after concerns about privacy, security or both.  

Apple confirmed the action in a statement, explaining that it is working with the affected developers to get their gear back into the Store. However, the company declined to discuss what apps have been removed, and the precise reasons why, instead referring to problems with privacy and security.

"Apple is deeply committed to protecting customer privacy and security. We've removed a few apps from the App Store that install root certificates which enable the monitoring of customer network data that can in turn be used to compromise SSL/TLS security solutions," a spokesperson told The INQUIRER.

"We are working closely with these developers to quickly get their apps back on the App Store, while ensuring that customer privacy and security is not at risk."

The firm has not named, or even given a number for, the affected applications, but the suggestion is that they are bad news. One is named in a report on Reuters - Been Choice - which is a chunk of software that lets iOS users block in-app advertising.

Been Choice has retweeted articles about the Apple shutdown, and made statements suggesting that it is one of the companies involved.

Been Choice is the recently announced and instantly controversial advertising option that offers phone users quizzes in place of ads. There was speculation when it launched earlier this month about whether it had won approval on the App Store through an Apple error. This was not confirmed, but it does look like Apple is now aware of the controversies.

Also bothering the App Store are, or were, a number of fraudulent apps that could have infected users with the YiSpecter threat. It is possible that some of these are included in the Apple action. µ

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