Apple · Apple App Store Review Guidelines

Kids Category Data Restrictions

High severity
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What it is

Apps in the Kids Category may not include third-party advertising or analytics. You should also pay particular attention to privacy laws around the world relating to the collection of data from children online. Be sure to review the privacy practices required for Apple's frameworks and the App Store's age rating system so your app is properly rated.

Why it matters

This provision protects children from behavioral tracking and targeted advertising within apps, addressing one of the most significant child safety risks in the digital ecosystem.

Consumer impact

Apple's App Review Guidelines directly affect what apps consumers can access, what data those apps may collect, and how they can pay for digital content — Apple's mandatory in-app purchase requirement means app developers cannot offer cheaper prices through external payment links on iOS. Consumers benefit from Apple's content and privacy review standards, which prohibit apps from collecting data beyond declared purposes and require age-gating for adult content, but have no direct appeal mechanism if Apple removes an app they rely upon. You can review an app's declared data practices by checking the App Privacy section on any App Store listing before downloading.

Applicable agencies

  • FTC
    The FTC enforces COPPA (16 C.F.R. Part 312) and has primary authority over data collection from children in apps, including Kids category violations.
    File a complaint →

Provision details

Document information
Document
Apple App Store Review Guidelines
Entity
Apple
Document last updated
March 24, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
March 6, 2026
Last verified
April 4, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-001966
Document ID
CA-D-00025
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
SHA-256
877541265fefdbebabcd1e30fe9651433f6b1dd3064ee4d811f9f9918e043f98
Verified
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Change verified
How to Cite
ConductAtlas Policy Archive
Entity: Apple | Document: Apple App Store Review Guidelines | Record: CA-P-001966
Captured: 2026-03-06 20:15:42 UTC | SHA-256: 877541265fefdbeb…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/apple/apple-app-store-review-guidelines/kids-category-data-restrictions/
Accessed: April 4, 2026
Classification
Severity
High
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