Swipe Left on Anonymity: Apple Tightens App Store Rules to Ban Random and Anonymous Chat Apps

Apple updated its App Store Review Guidelines to tighten enforcement against apps with user-generated content that are used primarily for pornography, random or anonymous chat (Chatroulette-style experiences), objectification, physical threats, or bullying, enabling removal without notice. The change, positioned within safety provisions for UGC platforms requiring robust reporting and filtering mechanisms, is widely seen as a response to Australian eSafety regulatory pressure and follows the removal of OmeTV from app stores, aiming to reduce harassment and protect minors.