Apple Tightens App Store Guidelines to Ban AI Offensive Content and Bait-and-Switch Apps

Apple updated its App Store Developer Guidelines last weekend, targeting two types of violating apps: those using AI to generate offensive content without adequate safeguards, and those disguised as normal apps during review but unlocking "striptease" or other harmful features after release, a practice known as "bait-and-switch."

Under the new rules, apps hosting user-generated content (UGC) must filter illegal material, provide reporting channels, and allow users to block violators. Apple stated in a blog post that apps adding features not present in the submitted version will be removed. The company also revised legal terms to emphasize banning apps involved in human trafficking and child exploitation.

This move responds to recent scrutiny over app store safety. In July, San Francisco city prosecutors ordered Apple and Google to clean up striptease apps from their stores, alleging they profited from them via platform fees. A report in April indicated that both tech giants' stores contained multiple such apps rated suitable for minors.