App Store Privacy Labels Mysteriously Disappear [Update: Fixed]

[MacRumors]

As noted on Twitter, privacy labels for apps on the App Store on both iOS and macOS have mysteriously disappeared, and the reason remains unclear. All other functions of the App Store appear to remain online, and Apple's system status page indicates no issues with any services at the time of writing.

Apple's App Store privacy labels aim to give users insight into what information an app collects and shares about them. Privacy labels launched in December 2020 following the launch of iOS 14. We'll update this post when more information becomes available on why they're missing.

Update: The privacy labels have returned to App Store listings on both the iOS and macOS App Stores.

Article Link: App Store Privacy Labels Mysteriously Disappear [Update: Fixed]

 

[antiprotest]

I want privacy options that are actually controlled on the device by the user, not privacy information that is merely declared. It is not enough to show me which domains an app accessed. I need to block the app and/or the device from accessing those domains.

 

[icanhazmac]

I noticed this when looking for information on the HidrateSpark app, I could not see the privacy label on my phone but could on my iPad.

 

[builder31]

This could be due to inconsistencies created by legislation e.g. allowing alternate app stores or it could be a bug. Given the annoying ubiquity of web-sockets, it wouldn't be impossible to change the deployment model for apps into an SSB running Webkit and fully sandbox them. Unfortunately, that would make iOS behave a bit more like Android with respect to approving every API that an app wants access to.

 

[erikkfi]

Maybe Elon Musk bought Apple too.

 

[jbmelby]

I just checked, and the privacy label for my app is still there.

 

[jbmelby]

I just checked, and the privacy label for my app is still there.

Update: it shows up on my iPhone, but not on my Mac.

 

[KRBM]

I want privacy options that are actually controlled on the device by the user, not privacy information that is merely declared. It is not enough to show me which domains an app accessed. I need to block the app and/or the device from accessing those domains.

Why suggest it has to be one or the other? Having both is better than having one, and that's what Apple is (or was?) going for.

 

[Boris Bronson]

Will they be missed? They’re not exactly worth a rub.

 

[oldoneeye]

Why suggest it has to be one or the other? Having both is better than having one, and that's what Apple is (or was?) going for.

My thought was that at the time of install you decide whether the want to trust that data to the developer - it's part of the deal. So long as you know, you can decide.

 

[MindYourMind]

Nothing shows up on my iPhone and wife’s ipp. On my ipp I can‘t even go in the app, it crashes the moment I tap it

 

[one more]

Everything is showing up as usual for me.

 

[_Spinn_]

Seems like an odd glitch.

 

[Taz Mangus]

Everything is showing up as usual for me.

Same for me.

 

[CarlJ]

Nothing shows up on my iPhone and wife’s ipp. On my ipp I can‘t even go in the app, it crashes the moment I tap it

What is an "ipp"?

 

[MauiPa]

I checked, they are working fine. Maybe Facebook is involved somehow? I would never allow the Zuck to be on my phone, maybe that’s why mine are working, no?

 

[hagar]

Will they be missed? They’re not exactly worth a rub.

They’re confusing and I can imagine most people don’t even look at them.

 

[MindYourMind]

What is an "ipp"?

iPad Pro. I think iPP is the correct abbreviation

 

[kc9hzn]

As noted on Twitter, privacy labels for apps on the App Store on both iOS and macOS have mysteriously disappeared, and the reason remains unclear.

Sigh, news sites really need to be more careful with their language. “Mysteriously disappeared” has strong connotations of conspiracy, and this appears to have been an unintentional bug. Bugs happen (which I appreciate, gives me job security!).

Yes, conspiracies do sometimes happen (both among corporations and among governments). But priming people to think conspiratorially probably isn’t helpful, as it makes people more vulnerable to charlatans peddling conspiracy theories that target what they already believe. For instance, if you’re already biased against processed foods on account of health, that makes you substantially more vulnerable to dodgy superfoods advertising (“this one trick” or “never eat this again”). There are just as many fake conspiracy theories peddled by someone who makes money from them as there are organic conspiracy theories or actual conspiracies.

 

[svish]

Glad to hear that it is fixed now.