Apple removes Fakespot app from iOS App Store after Amazon request

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Apple on Friday removed the Fakespot app from the iOS App Store. Fakespot, a service to filter and hide fake product reviews on Amazon, launched its iOS app last month, but now, the app has been removed at the behest of Amazon itself.

Fakespot founder Saud Khalifa told The Verge that Apple removed the app without explaining its reasons. However, the developers confirm that Amazon sent them a notice of removal in June, which is likely why the iOS app is not available for iPhone and iPad users.

The app, just like its web browser extension, integrates with the Amazon website using unofficial methods to spot fake reviews within product pages. Amazon, on the other hand, claims that the app injects code that can compromise users’ data, as well as provide consumers with “misleading information” about sellers.

Amazon also tells us that Fakespot is injecting code into its website, opening up an attack vector and putting customer data (including email, addresses, credit card information, and browser history) at risk, though it says it doesn’t actually know if Fakespot is using this information.

But while Fakespot admits that the app injects code to display its own results, it flatly denies the existence of any vulnerability, and points out that apps that include a display of a web browser are common — including coupon apps that Amazon “appears to have no problem getting around.” View web browser.

Amazon confirms that it asked Apple to remove the app under Directive 5.2.2, which prohibits developers from using third-party content in an app without permission. 9to5Mac reported in August 2020 that Apple was using the same guideline to block third-party apps that integrate with Tesla cars.

5.2.2 Third Party Sites/Services: If your Application uses, accesses, invests in accessing or displays content from a third party service, ensure that you are specifically permitted to do so under the Terms of Use of the Service. The authorization must be provided upon request.

Fakespot developers indicated that Amazon bought search results for the keyword “Fakespot” in the App Store to prevent users from finding the app. A search for “Fakespot” in the App Store now shows the official Amazon app first on the list with an “Ad” badge. The app recorded 150,000 installs on iOS devices during the period when it was available on the App Store.

“Amazon is willing to bully small companies like ours that expose the loopholes in their company,” says Khalifa, noting that Amazon realized that people chose to take them over the Amazon app. He says Fakespot collected 150,000 installs from the iOS App Store, without spending any money on marketing.

According to Amazon, the company already has the tools to identify and stop fake reviews, suggesting that third-party services that claim to do so are “mostly false.” Apple did not respond to a request for comment.

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