How app development across various app stores uses security and privacy

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) commissioned Apadmi to conduct a study to identify and map the security and privacy requirements set by official, manufacturer-supported and third-party app stores, based on information found or signposted when creating an app.

The study focused on identifying and mapping what documentation and feedback is provided by app store operators, to developers, during the app development process, specifically in terms of security and privacy content. This included capturing any documentation and feedback provided by app store operators, which sets out what responsibilities are currently placed on app developers for ensuring that appropriate security and privacy is built into apps.

The report was conducted over nine calendar weeks from 7th July to 9th August 2021, across the following 11 app stores; Google Play Store, Apple App Store, Samsung Galaxy Store Seller Portal, Huawei AppGallery, Amazon Appstore, Microsoft Store, Cydia, Aptoide, GetJar, AltStore and APKPure.

The findings of this study dive into encryption and network security, advertiser tracking, code signing and more. Covering the following areas:

• Overview of the app stores

• Findings for each security or privacy feature including; encryption, permissions, advertising tracking, privacy policy and third-party libraries

• Comparison tables showing the classification of each of the security or privacy features in each of the stores

• Conclusions

You can download the report for free here.

If you'd like to speak to Apadmi about our knowledge and capabilities in areas such as security and privacy, as well as developing and launching apps, get in touch with our team today.