I fear App Review is getting too powerful (2015) [pdf]

I am not sure, but would guess that someone (a member of the house) put it on the record, so that they could discuss the issues it brings up.

The hearings the other day were just one part of the subcommittees anti-trust investigation.

This constitutes the evidence gathering/discovery part of the investigation.

> In November last year the App Review team made it clear that our apps were not welcome in the Store anymore as they actively removed our main app from the Store. They pointed to the rule (2.26) created just a couple of years ago about what kind of apps can recommend apps other than its own (by the way I still believe my apps fit the description). We of course have been aware of this rule since it came out, as we already had a healthy business and significant payroll doing app journalism. When we saw some apps get removed, it made us more steadfast in our mission. Because we believed the fact that we were not bothered is because we were doing it the "right 11 way. We were really serving the user and the App Store. Not selling fake "recommendations" as deceptive ads. We literally turned down millions of dollars in revenues, as developers repeatedly asked to pay per install to be featured in our app (outside of tradition advertising). It was hard to turn down the money even though we knew it was not right to users. One thing that made it easier is our belief that playing it straight would keep us in the App Store and in Apple's good graces.

The rule exists for precisely the reason this email notes: to prevent the selling of deceptive in-app ads. How are App Review personnel supposed to know if the in-app links to other apps are there to really "serve the user" or as paid advertising? They can't, hence the rule. I don't see this is a problem, I see this as a good thing - I don't want to be exposed to deceptive advertising.

>I am in no way delusional enough to think we are partners or that Apple needs us in any respect. Of course we are insignificant to the success of Apple. Our departure from the App Store won't make even the tiniest blip. Of course I know that and this is no way meant to try to insinuate otherwise.

"Oh Lord, oooh you are so big. So absolutely huge. Gosh, we're all really impressed down here I can tell you. Forgive us, O Lord, for this dreadful toadying and barefaced flattery. But you are so strong and, well, just so super. Fantastic. Amen"

Edit: I guess it's sort of about establishing your bona fides before making a complaint, letting them know you don't expect them to immediately do everything you say, but it's so... fawningly written.