Apple Joins Forces with Google to Combat Predatory Lending Apps in India

Apple India has removed several predatory lending apps from its App Store following reports of harassment and unethical practices. Apps like Pocket Kash, White Kash, Golden Kash, and OK Rupee are among those that have been purged.

This action comes after Google removed similar lending apps a month ago due to their unethical recovery methods. Users have complained that these apps request access to their contacts, gallery, and other personal data during sign-up, and if users default on payments, the apps display pornographic images and videos to intimidate and threaten them.

Apple has confirmed the removal, stating that these apps violated the Apple Developer Program License Agreement and guidelines. The apps were also falsely claiming association with financial institutions, according to Apple's findings. The company emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards fraudulent activity on the App Store, with strict rules in place to prevent developers from cheating the system. The App Store and Apple's App Review Guidelines aim to provide a safe experience for users.

Apple highlighted the effectiveness of its measures, revealing that the App Store prevented over $2 billion in fraudulent transactions in 2022, rejected nearly 1.7 million app submissions for not meeting quality and safety standards, and terminated 428,000 developer accounts due to potential fraudulent activity.

This action aligns with the guidelines of India's central government and the Reserve Bank of India, which aim to impose stringent checks to combat the use of illegal digital lending applications. The government and regulatory authorities have been actively working to curb predatory lending practices and protect consumers from harassment and financial exploitation.

By removing these predatory lending apps, Apple is taking a proactive stance to safeguard its users and ensure a secure and trustworthy app environment. The move demonstrates the company's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the App Store and protecting users from fraudulent and exploitative practices.