Apple has updated its App Review Guidelines to require apps to disclose and obtain user consent before sharing personal data with third-party AI providers, as reported by TechCrunch. This move precedes Apple’s upcoming Siri enhancement in 2026, which will feature deeper integration with Google’s Gemini technology. The revised guidelines aim to prevent apps from transmitting personal data to AI providers without user awareness and permission.
Notably, Apple’s revised rule 5.1.2(i) now explicitly mandates apps to disclose personal data sharing with third-party AI and seek explicit permission beforehand. This stricter control aligns with data privacy regulations like GDPR and the California Consumer Privacy Act, emphasizing user consent in data sharing practices. Non-compliance can lead to app removal from the App Store.
The necessity for AI companies to comply with these guidelines underscores Apple’s commitment to safeguarding user data privacy. This change could impact apps leveraging AI for user data processing, potentially influencing personalized app experiences. The enforcement of the updated rule remains uncertain, given the broad scope of AI technologies it encompasses.
Source: TechCrunch