🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

Freecash removal sparks questions about skirting App Store rules

• Germany-based Almedia GmbH submitted Freecash to the App Store on March 24, 2024. Appfigures data cited by TechCrunch says Apple pulled that version on June 13, 2024, after about two months 1.
• Months later, an existing App Store app from Cyprus-based 256 Rewards Ltd changed its name to “Freecash” while keeping the same app ID, based on the same third-party data 1.
• TechCrunch said it could not confirm whether Almedia bought 256 Rewards Ltd or bought access to its developer account. It also said a return through another account can be used to dodge a ban, which breaks app store rules 1.
• Appfigures data cited by TechCrunch suggests a similar shift on Google Play. Almedia’s earlier app under developer ID com.freecash.twa came down in January 2024, while the current Freecash listing uses com.freecash.app2; Google said it was reviewing the issue 1.
• An independent MWM editorial analysis described thousands of complaints claiming accounts got banned when users tried to cash out larger amounts 2.

The app’s growth suggests weak spots in store review

• Appfigures told TechCrunch downloads hit their high point in February at nearly 6 million, then started to fall 1.
• MWM’s editorial analysis argued Freecash uses offerwall-style incentives, rewards for specific in-app actions, which could raise issues under Apple rules on compensated actions and chart manipulation. MWM added Apple did not cite those two guidelines in remarks to TechCrunch about the removal 2.
• MWM’s editorial analysis also said Apple’s tracking logged US$0 in weekly revenue for the app. That claim comes from MWM, not Apple or TechCrunch 2.
• Malwarebytes, a cybersecurity company, said the app may collect sensitive details such as race, religion, sex life, sexual orientation, health, plus other biometric data 1.