Here’s why Apple removed this app on Amazon’s ‘request’ – Times of India

An app dedicated to filtering and hiding fake reviews on e-commerce sites has been removed from the App Store. A report by The Verge says that Amazon requested Apple to remove the app and the Cupertino-based tech giant obliged.
What app did Amazon want Apple to remove?
The app in question is Fakespot and works like a web browser extension. It integrates with Amazon’s website — unofficially — and identifies fake reviews that are on the various product pages. The app was launched last month on the App Store
What is Amazon’s problem with the app?
Amazon has claimed that the app compromises users’ data by injecting a code that can also provide misleading information about sellers to its customers. User data like email, addresses, credit card information and even browser history is at risk, as per Amazon.
Why did Apple agree to remove the app?
Amazon cited a guideline (5.2.2) that stops delivers from using any third-party content in an app without permission. Amazon asked Apple to remove the app under this guideline, which states, “If your app uses, accesses, monetises access to, or displays content from a third-party service, ensure that you are specifically permitted to do so under the service’s terms of use. Authorisation must be provided upon request.”
What does the app developer say about the removal from App Store?
“Amazon is willing to bully little companies like ours that showcase the cracks in their company,” says Saoud Khalifah, founder of Fakespot. He claims that the app had seen over 1.5 lakh installs recently. “I’m shocked Apple decided to side with Amazon without any proof,” Khalifah further said.
What does Apple have to say about the removal of the app?
In a statement to The Verge, Apple said, “This was a dispute over intellectual property rights initiated by Amazon on June 8 and within hours we ensured both parties were in contact with one another, explaining the issue and steps for the developer to take to keep their app on the store and giving them ample time to resolve the issue. On June 29, we again reached out to Fakespot weeks before removing their app from the App Store.”