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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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Foreign Firms Contribute €3.5 Billion To Cyprus Economy In 2023

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 12, 2025

Recent Eurostat data reveals that Cyprus remains an outlier within the European Union, where foreign-controlled companies contribute minimally to the nation’s employment figures and economic output. While these enterprises have a substantial impact in other member states, in Cyprus they account for only 10 percent of all jobs, a figure comparable only to Italy and marginally higher than Greece’s 8 percent.

Employment Impact

The report highlights that foreign-controlled companies in Cyprus employ 32,119 individuals out of a total workforce that, across the EU, reaches 24,145,727. In contrast, countries such as Luxembourg boast a 45 percent job share in foreign-controlled firms, with Slovakia and the Czech Republic following closely at 28 percent.

Economic Output Analysis

In terms of economic contribution, these enterprises generated a total value added of €3.5 billion in Cyprus, a small fraction compared to the overall EU total of €2.39 trillion. Notably, Ireland leads with 71 percent of its value added stemming from foreign-controlled firms, followed by Luxembourg at 61 percent and Slovakia at 50 percent. On the lower end, France, Italy, Greece, and Germany exhibit values below 20 percent.

Domestic Versus Foreign Ownership

The data underscores Cyprus’s heavy reliance on domestically controlled enterprises for both employment and economic output. However, it is important to note that certain businesses might be owned by foreign nationals who have established companies under Cypriot jurisdiction. As a result, these firms are classified as domestically controlled despite having foreign ownership or management components.

Conclusion

This analysis emphasizes the unique role that foreign-controlled enterprises play within the Cypriot economy. While their overall impact is limited compared to some EU counterparts, the presence of these companies continues to contribute significantly to the island’s economic landscape.