Apple prevented $ 1.5 billion from fraud in 2020

Apple removed more than 1 million fraudulent apps from the App Store in 2020. According to the Cupertino giant, its store’s security measures have prevented more than $ 1.5 billion in fraud over the past year. By publishing these numbers (first in Trademark), Apple seeks to defend the App Store operating model.

In a press release published on May 11, 2021, Apple for the first time disclosed anti-fraud stats on the App Store. “In 2020, Apple’s combination of advanced technology and human expertise protected customers from more than $ 1.5 billion in potentially fraudulent transactions, preventing attempts to steal their money, information, and assets. Time.” Apple argues, confirming thisA million dangerous iOS apps It was rejected last year.

Apple is taking a closer look at the processes in place to protect iPhone and iPad users. The company reveals It employs 500 people In order to verify that applications deposited by developers meet the requirements of the App Store. To help its teams, Apple is counting on “An advanced system that combines machine learning and artificial intelligence”.

On the same topic: Apple has stolen DRM technology from the iTunes and App Store and faces huge fines

Apple justifies the App Store’s monopoly on iOS

Among the iOS apps that were rejected last year, the group states that they have been blockedApplications intended to deceive users (In order to extract money from them in particular), random or vulgar copies of apps. Note that fake apps (which reuse a known app’s code) are widely available on the Google Play Store. Often the purpose of these apps is to collect user data, install malware, or subscribe to a paid online service.

“The application review team rejected more than 215,000 requests for privacy breach” Apple notes, which ensures the claim of many iOS apps provided by the developers A lot of data or Mishandling the data they collect. Likewise, Apple claims to have rejected 470,000 developer accounts and blocked 205,000 registrations in 2020.

Between the lines, Apple seeks to justify itself. While that Lawsuits challenging the absolute monopoly of the App Store on iOS Doubly so, California Group states that this mode of operation protects users from threats. For this reasonApple blocks the installation of apps that are not from the App Store. But it is clear that economic considerations do play a role. The company gets 15% or 30% of all purchases made in its store. If Apple ventures to open up to alternative stores, the company could allocate a portion of its income.