Apple has removed a number of ad-blocker apps from the App Store due to security concerns.
The iPhone 6S maker doesn’t have a problem with ad-blockers, as such. Indeed, it has purposefully enabled their existence in the recent iOS 9 update.
However, Apple has taken exception to the way that a number of third-party ad-blockers have gone about their business. These offending apps can block adverts even within native apps by installing their own root certificates.
As TechCrunch points out, these apps are not using this as an exploit or in any malicious way. However, such a method effectively bypasses Apple’s encryption systems, and could then theoretically be used to monitor the traffic passing through them.
“Apple is deeply committed to protecting customer privacy and security,” the company said in a statement. “We’ve removed a few apps from the App Store that install root certificates which enable the monitoring of customer network data that can in turn be used to compromise SSL/TLS security solutions.”
Related: iOS XcodeGhost malware FAQ: Am I affected by App Store exploit?
Apple has reached out an olive branch to the developers whose otherwise legitimate apps have been removed from the App Store.
“We are working closely with these developers to quickly get their apps back on the App Store, while ensuring customer privacy and security is not at risk,” it said.
Apple is only likely to tighten its grip on the App Store at a time when a new wave of malware threats is emerging.
Next, take a look at our iOS 9 features video:
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
