Apple clamping down on COVID-19 related apps

People all over the world today rely on apps to stay updated with the latest news. But not all apps act as credible sources of information. Add to this the COVID-19 related panic; these apps can cause quite a large-scale disruption. To prevent such a scenario, Apple has said that it will be clamping down on such apps.

COVID-19 affected patients increase in numbers across the globe even as the numbers start to dwindle at its epicenter, China. People are increasingly turning to apps to look up news on the disease and where they can obtain help for the same. Apple is aware of this and has announced on its blog that it is now critically checking all the sources and developers of these apps.

Apple says that the developers presenting such apps need to be from recognized entities such as health-focused NGOs, credentialed companies in healthcare, medical or educational institutes, and government organizations.

On its blog, Apple stated: “Only developers from one of these recognized entities should submit an app related to COVID-19. Entertainment or game apps with COVID-19 as their theme will not be allowed.”

The mobile-maker has further asked the developers to select “Time-Sensitive Event” on the expedite request form to make the process of reviewing faster.