Apple’s EU Purge: Why 135,000 Apps Just Vanished

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 20, 2025

Apple has wiped more than 135,000 apps from its EU App Store in what marks the largest mass removal in the platform’s history. The reason? Developers failed to comply with new transparency rules under the Digital Services Act (DSA), a sweeping European regulation aimed at increasing consumer protections online.

Key Facts

February 17 was the deadline for App Store developers to declare their commercial status to continue operating in the EU.
Data from Appfigures, reported by TechCrunch, reveals that Apple removed over 135,000 apps in just two days due to non-compliance.
These apps aren’t permanently deleted—developers can restore them by updating their merchant information via App Store Connect.

What’s Driving The Crackdown?

The DSA, which took effect in August 2023, officially became applicable to all online platforms on February 17, 2024. Among its many requirements, it mandates platforms like the App Store to disclose the commercial status of developers, ensuring greater transparency and consumer protection.

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Who Counts As A Merchant?

Any app generating revenue—whether through downloads, in-app purchases, or advertising—is classified as a merchant under EU law. Developers must now provide their contact details, including a phone number, email, and address linked to their Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) record. Independent developers face similar requirements.

The Privacy Dilemma

For small developers, this regulation poses a challenge. Many are reluctant to share personal information publicly, citing privacy concerns. As a result, thousands of apps—many likely from independent creators—have been pulled from the store.

This unprecedented purge underscores the growing regulatory pressure on tech giants and the unintended consequences for smaller players in the ecosystem. While Apple is enforcing the rules, the broader question remains: will the EU’s push for transparency come at the cost of innovation?

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Cyprus Plans New Debt Restructuring Scheme As Collections Exceed €730 Million

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 7, 2026

Renewed Focus On Debt Restructuring

The government said restructuring plans for overdue payments to the Social Security Fund (TKA) and the Tax Department should not become a standard practice. Recent developments in the Middle East have prompted a review of this position. Authorities are reassessing policy tools to address external pressures while maintaining fiscal discipline. The discussion reflects shifting economic conditions.

Strategic Second Chances For Defaulters

Officials said the schemes aim to improve debt recovery while allowing structured repayment. Similar programs introduced in 2016 and during the COVID-19 period generated about €100 million from total liabilities of €225 million. Past outcomes show that instalment-based repayment can increase collection rates. These results are being used to guide the design of new measures.

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Realized Impact And Emerging Exploitation Concerns

Tax restructuring programs have generated €630 million, contributing to total collections exceeding €730 million. These amounts would otherwise have required legal enforcement or penalties. Recent cases have shown that some debtors settled their obligations in a single payment to avoid additional charges. Authorities are examining safeguards to limit such use of the schemes.

The Third Phase Of Restructuring

The proposed plan for Social Security Fund liabilities includes repayment of up to 48 instalments. Extending repayment to 120 instalments was rejected due to the potential fiscal impact. Marinos Mousiotis, Minister of Labour, said the structure reflects a balance between support measures and fiscal sustainability. The proposal aims to limit long-term pressure on public finances.

Key Provisions And Future Outlook

The plan includes repayment options of up to 54 instalments and surcharge waivers ranging from 5% to 27%. Additional provisions include suspension of penalties, legal actions and enforcement procedures during participation. A dual repayment mechanism may apply to contractors working with the state, allocating part of the payments toward debt settlement. Final terms will depend on legislative approval.

Broader Impact On Tax Revenues

Since 2017, restructuring schemes have collected €630 million from an initial debt pool of €1.04 billion. More than 43,000 taxpayers have participated in these programs. Instalment structures vary depending on debt size, with smaller debts eligible for lower minimum payments and longer repayment periods. Larger debts require higher monthly payments.

Cautious Political Sentiment

Government officials said current conditions do not justify launching a new tax restructuring plan at this stage. Discussions are expected to continue after June during the next parliamentary session. Future decisions will depend on economic conditions and fiscal performance.

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