Apple removes Fakespot app from iOS App Store after Amazon request

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

Fakespot founder Saud Khalifa said: Mutual Apple removed the app without explaining why. However, the developers confirm that Amazon sent them a takedown notice in June, which is likely the reason the iOS app is not available for iPhone and iPad users.

Like a web browser extension, the app integrates with the Amazon website using unofficial methods to detect fake reviews on product pages. Amazon, on the other hand, claims that the app injects code that can compromise user data and give consumers “misleading information” about merchants.

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

But while Fakespot admits that the app injects a code to display its own results, it categorically denies any vulnerabilities and notes that apps that include a web browser offer are popular — including Amazon coupon apps. “It seems there’s no problem getting it. By.” View web browser.

Amazon confirms that it asked Apple to remove the app under Rule 5.2.2, which prohibits developers from using third-party content in an app without permission. 9to5Mac You said in August 2020 that Apple used the same guideline to: Block third-party apps that integrate with Tesla cars.

5.2.2 Third Party Sites/Services: If your app uses, accesses or invests in accessing or viewing content from a third party service, please 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 purchased search results for the keyword “Fakespot” from 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 the “Ad” badge. The app recorded 150,000 installs on iOS devices during the time it was available on the App Store.

“Amazon is willing to bully small businesses like ours that expose loopholes in their business,” Khalifa said, noting that Amazon realized that people chose to take over the Amazon app. He says Fakespot has successfully installed 150,000 iOS App Store installs, without spending any money on marketing.

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

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