Live data from Hacker News

Apple requires account deletion within apps in AppStore starting January 31

developer.apple.com

101–110 of 515 posts

Re: Apple requires account deletion within apps in AppStore starting January 31

#101
post #9

The problem is that Apple has absolutely no way to enforce the deletion. An app can say "your account is deleted" but not actually delete any data off their servers. What would really give users the control they deserve is the ability to restrict what data can be sent off the device by an app in the first place. Apple should make it possible to deny internet access to an app entirely, and they should provide an API t…

Do you really think it's a good idea to lie to Apple and to the public about your data deletion policies? Do you really think bad actors won't be found out eventually? Is it worth the risk to your business?

Re: Apple requires account deletion within apps in AppStore starting January 31

#102

What about inmutable systems? My app (using scuttlebutt) creates an 'account' but it's located as crypto keys only within the app and apple keychain. So far the apple reviewers refused to believe that it works like. It's open source, they've got the code... but still.... Same is true for anything crypto. The account as it were exists on many devices, but it's not something you as the app creator can manage. I think a…

I'm working on an application where a digest replaces the data on delete. The digest is immutable, which represents the data, not the data itself.

Re: Apple requires account deletion within apps in AppStore starting January 31

#103
post #25

Wonder if this applies to Apple itself. There is no way to delete your Apple ID (or other info Apple knows about you) using the device.

"Apple gives you the ability to permanently delete your Apple ID account at any time and for any reason."

That said, it's a pretty massive wipe.

Photos, videos, documents, and other content that you stored in iCloud are permanently deleted; you can't receive any messages or calls sent to your account via iMessage, FaceTime, or iCloud Mail; and you can't sign in to or use services such as iCloud, the App Store, iTunes Store, Apple Books, Apple Pay, iMessage, FaceTime, and Find My iPhone. In addition, any Apple Store appointments and AppleCare support cases are canceled.

Deleting your Apple ID is permanent. After your account is deleted, Apple can't reopen or reactivate your account or restore your data.

You lose all your credits with apple (if any) app updates will stop working even for apps already downloaded and more.

"Manage Your Data and Privacy." On the following page, select "Get started" under "Delete your account."

Re: Apple requires account deletion within apps in AppStore starting January 31

#104
post #90
post #2

Wonder if this can be used to unsubscribe from The NY Times?

SiriusXM is like this as well, you subscribe/upgrade online but you have to argue with a support person for 30-40mins to cancel, at least you can do it on a chat on their website. Honestly if you can subscribe with a button you should be able to unsubscribe with a button.

It's outrageous that you can't cancel online as easily as you signed up, and we do need legislation to correct that. But when you have to talk to them on the phone, just say, "I sold the car." End of conversation. What are you telling them that gives them the hook needed for a 30-40 minute conversation?

If all else fails, "I was just diagnosed with a terminal illness" or "I am required to report to the state penitentiary on Monday" will work.

Re: Apple requires account deletion within apps in AppStore starting January 31

#105

Feels to me like public pressure is on Apple to actually justify their argument that their App Store policies are for the benefit of their customers. If that results in more policies like this that really do improve customer experiences, that's not the worst outcome.

Most of their policies are ones CONSUMERS have liked but BUSINESSES have hated. The litigation / cases / govt intervention has been on behalf of businesses not consumers. A lot of folks in the "alliance for app fairness" have just horrible billing practices. Understandably, if they can get out of the app store, they can stop you from being able to do things like delete your account or unsubscribe with a few clicks. A…

Honestly I'm more on the business side, but I fail to see how the fact that we cannot refund our customers is a benefit for them.

Re: Apple requires account deletion within apps in AppStore starting January 31

#106

Feels to me like public pressure is on Apple to actually justify their argument that their App Store policies are for the benefit of their customers. If that results in more policies like this that really do improve customer experiences, that's not the worst outcome.

Most of their policies are ones CONSUMERS have liked but BUSINESSES have hated. The litigation / cases / govt intervention has been on behalf of businesses not consumers. A lot of folks in the "alliance for app fairness" have just horrible billing practices. Understandably, if they can get out of the app store, they can stop you from being able to do things like delete your account or unsubscribe with a few clicks. A…

Apple killed valve's steam link app because they couldn't get a cut of games consumers had purchased on a different platform. Hardly pro consumer behavior.

Re: Apple requires account deletion within apps in AppStore starting January 31

#108

What about inmutable systems? My app (using scuttlebutt) creates an 'account' but it's located as crypto keys only within the app and apple keychain. So far the apple reviewers refused to believe that it works like. It's open source, they've got the code... but still.... Same is true for anything crypto. The account as it were exists on many devices, but it's not something you as the app creator can manage. I think a…

Change your data model. That’s the answer. Add setters to the smart contract to change variables. It’s not that hard.

Re: Apple requires account deletion within apps in AppStore starting January 31

#109

Apple shouldn’t be interfering with other businesses and their users like this. It’s sad to see people here celebrating their inability to run unapproved software.

Call and email your representatives like I do.

You're not going to find support in a forum with 60+% Apple users. A lot of these people work for or have stock in this company.

They don't see how this is a roadblock to competition and that this device is now in the critical path of 50+% of commerce. (Maybe they'll care more when they have to compete.)

Re: Apple requires account deletion within apps in AppStore starting January 31

#110

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The App Store policies were always for the benefit of customers (and Apple). These policies will keep happening because the basic incentive of Apple's business model has been unchanged since 2008.

Yeah, like the inability for the user to install an app after an authoritarian government decided that their subjects should not be using it, and Apple subserviently obeyed and removed said app from the Appstore. An extremely beneficial policy for the customers, right.

You’re talking about something else. Do we expect money-making companies to be the ones to war against authoritarian regimes? Do we not also expect companies to obey the laws of the lands in which they conduct business? You can’t just say screw it to GDPR and expect to continue to be able to conduct business in the EU.
Post reply on HN