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Apple Defends App Store Policies with Impressive Fraud Prevention Figures
In response to growing criticism over its App Store management practices, Apple has publicly shared new data demonstrating the effectiveness of its security measures. Over the last five years, the tech giant claims that the App Store has successfully prevented more than $9 billion in fraudulent transactions—a staggering $2 billion of that total occurred in 2024 alone. This annual fraud analysis underscores Apple’s ongoing commitment to user protection in the digital marketplace.
Robust Measures Against Developer and User Fraud
According to Apple’s report, 2024 saw the removal of more than 146,000 developer accounts due to security concerns, and the company blocked another 139,000 attempts to register suspicious developer profiles. In a bid to combat malicious activity, over 711 million fraudulent or fake user accounts were blocked, while nearly 129 million active accounts were deactivated to deter spam or review manipulation.
Security efforts extended to financial transactions, with Apple identifying close to 4.7 million stolen credit cards and blocking approximately 1.6 million user accounts associated with fraudulent payments. Additionally, more than 10,000 unauthorized apps—spanning malware, gambling software, adult content, and pirated versions of legitimate apps—were discovered on third-party app marketplaces and subsequently neutralized.
App Review: Strict Quality and Security Standards
Apple’s rigorous app review process remains at the core of its strategy. In 2024, over 7.7 million apps underwent inspection. Of these, more than 1.9 million apps were rejected for failing to meet the App Store’s security, privacy, or stability standards. More than 43,000 apps were flagged for hiding undisclosed features within their codebase, and over 32,000 were rejected for imitating or cloning other applications.
Combating Fake Reviews to Preserve Trust
User trust in the App Store ecosystem also depends on the integrity of app ratings and reviews. Apple evaluated over 1.2 billion reviews and ratings in 2024, with 143 million identified and removed as fraudulent or artificial. As a result, over 7,400 apps were delisted from top charts, and nearly 9,500 apps were removed from App Store search results due to these fake or manipulated reviews.
Why Apple Believes Its App Store Structure Is Essential
Apple’s latest analysis reinforces its argument for maintaining strict App Store policies, despite ongoing calls for change from regulators and some market players. By prioritizing user security, privacy, and app quality, Apple not only sets the bar for digital marketplace safety but also ensures a reliable platform for both developers and consumers. For Lithuanian users seeking trustworthy app experiences, Apple’s approach provides peace of mind in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
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