Provision record
Apple · Apple App Store Review Guidelines · View original document ↗

Apps must obtain consent before recording user activity

High severity High confidence Explicit document language Common · 295 of 352 platforms

Key Facts

What must apps do when recording, logging, or otherwise making a record of user activity?
Apple requires apps to request explicit user consent and provide a clear visual and/or audible indication when recording, logging, or otherwise making a record of user activity.
Do apps have to request explicit user consent and provide a clear visual and/or audible indication when recording user activity?
Apple requires apps to request explicit user consent and provide a clear visual and/or audible indication when recording, logging, or otherwise making a record of user activity.
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This analysis describes what Apple's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

This requirement ensures users are both asked for permission and actively notified at the moment any recording or logging of their activity occurs, combining consent with real-time transparency.

Recent Activity

This document changed recently

Medium Jun 9, 2026

The updated guidelines state that developers must ensure kids receive age-appropriate experiences within their apps and must remove user-generated content that violates the guidelines, terms of service, or community standards. Under the revised policy, if Apple identifies policy-violating content, the developer will be asked to remove it and provide a compliance improvement plan. Based on the developer's response, the app may be removed from the App Store until compliance is demonstrated. This establishes a formal escalation pathway where developer inaction or inadequate remediation can result in app suspension or removal.

View change record →

Clause Stability Stable

0
Changes
5
Months Monitored
Jul 10, 2026
First Seen
Jul 10, 2026
Last Seen
This clause type exists across 4186 other provisions on other platforms.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Users must be explicitly asked for consent before an app records or logs their activity, and must receive a clear visual or audible indication while such recording is taking place.

How other platforms handle this

Glassdoor Medium

If you use our chat feature, we and our service providers may record your chats and keep transcripts.

Anthropic Medium

We will only collect, use and disclose your personal data with your consent, unless otherwise permitted or required by law. Your consent may be given expressly or implied, depending on the circumstances and the sensitivity of the information involved.

GitHub Medium

In some jurisdictions, we only use non-essential cookies after obtaining your consent.

See all platforms with this clause type →
▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
Apps must request explicit user consent and provide a clear visual and/or audible indication when recording, logging, or otherwise making a record of user activity.

Excerpt from Apple's App Store Review Guidelines

Applicable regulations

EU AI Act
European Union
BIPA
Illinois, USA
CCPA/CPRA
California, USA
COPPA
United States Federal
Connecticut Data Privacy Act Amendments
US-CT
CAN-SPAM
United States Federal
DMA
European Union
ePrivacy Directive
European Union
FCRA
United States Federal
FTC Act Section 5
United States Federal
GDPR
European Union
GLBA
United States Federal
HIPAA
United States Federal
Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act
US-IN
Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act
US-KY
TCPA
United States Federal
UK GDPR
United Kingdom
Universal Opt-Out Mechanism Expansion 2026
US

Provision details

Document information
Document
Apple App Store Review Guidelines
Entity
Apple
Document last updated
May 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
July 9, 2026
Last verified
July 9, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-018883
Document ID
CA-D-00025
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
4757c78422154f6dba5cf35af2a90cf427e5b7c56e974238344df717cb9eb93f
Analysis generated
July 9, 2026 03:44 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Apple
Document: Apple App Store Review Guidelines
Record ID: CA-P-018883
Captured: 2026-07-09 03:44:30 UTC
SHA-256: 4757c78422154f6d…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/apple/apple-app-store-review-guidelines/provision/CA-P-018883/apps-must-obtain-consent-before-recording-user-activity/
Accessed: Aug. 18, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Apple's Apps must obtain consent before recording user activity clause do?

This requirement ensures users are both asked for permission and actively notified at the moment any recording or logging of their activity occurs, combining consent with real-time transparency.

How does this clause affect you?

Users must be explicitly asked for consent before an app records or logs their activity, and must receive a clear visual or audible indication while such recording is taking place.

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 295 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Apple?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Apple.