Apple reminded developers this week that their apps should include an option to easily delete user accounts if their apps contain the ability for a user to create an account, noting that the deadline for making the change is set.
The requirement must apply from 30 June 2022 as part of the App Store 5.1.1 Review Guide (v). Apple says it has extended its initial deadline for requiring more time for developers.
Apple describes five application requirements that must be updated to meet this requirement:
- The option to delete an account should be easy to find in your application.
- If the app offers you Sign in with Apple, you’ll need to use the Apple REST sign-in API to cancel user tokens when deleting an account.
- It is not enough just to provide the option to temporarily deactivate or deactivate an account. People should be able to delete the account along with their personal information.
- Applications in highly regulated industries can provide additional customer service flows to validate and facilitate the account deletion process.
- Follow the applicable legal requirements for storing and storing user account information and for processing account deletion. This includes complying with local laws in different countries or regions. As always, consult your legal counsel.
The App Store 5.1.1 (v) review guide explains:
(v) Account Login: If your app does not include significant account-based features, allow people to use it without signing in. If your app supports account creation, you should also suggest deleting an account in the app. Applications may not require users to enter personal information in order to function, except when directly related to the main functionality of the application or required by law. If your main functionality of the application is not related to a specific social network (eg Facebook, WeChat, Weibo, Twitter, etc.), you must provide access without login or through another mechanism. Retrieving basic account information, sharing on a social network or inviting friends to use the app is not considered as the main functionality of the app. The application should also include a mechanism for revoking credentials for social networks and disabling access to data between the application and the social network of the application. An application cannot store credentials or tokens for social networks outside the device and may use such credentials or tokens only to connect directly to a social network from the app itself while the app is in use.
Apple’s original deadline was January 31, 2022, but the company extended the date in a statement issued on January 22, 2022.
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