App store privacy for kids apps is one of the most critical review areas when publishing children’s products on the App Store. Apple applies significantly stricter rules to apps designed for kids, especially when third-party analytics or advertising SDKs are involved. Even fully compliant apps may be paused during review until privacy usage is clearly explained.

Recently, our team at OGW went through an App Store review focused entirely on privacy and data handling. Below, we explain why these reviews happen, what Apple checks, and how developers can avoid delays.

Why App Store Privacy for Kids Apps Is Strictly Regulated

Apple treats children’s data as highly sensitive. Any app targeting kids must comply with:

• App Store Review Guideline 1.3 (Kids Category)
• COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act)
• GDPR-K (GDPR rules for children)

Because of this, app store privacy for kids apps is reviewed more deeply than for general-audience applications.

Apple expects developers to prove that:

• children are not tracked across apps or websites
• no personal profiles are created
• no behavioral advertising is used
• data collection is minimal and justified

What Apple Reviews in Kids Apps

During the App Store review, Apple typically asks for clarification on:

• analytics SDKs and their configuration
• advertising SDKs and ad personalization settings
• identifiers used inside the app
• data storage and security practices

In our case, Apple requested additional details about Firebase Analytics, Crashlytics, and Google AdMob — a common situation for kids apps.

This does not mean rejection. It means Apple needs written confirmation that app store privacy for kids apps rules are being followed.

Analytics Usage and App Store Privacy for Kids Apps

Analytics are allowed in kids apps, but only under strict conditions.

Our app uses analytics tools exclusively to:

• monitor app stability
• detect crashes
• understand general usage patterns

The collected data is limited to anonymous app-instance identifiers, basic device information, and crash diagnostics.
No IDFA, precise location, or cross-app tracking is used.

All features related to ad signals, user profiling, and personalization are disabled to comply with app store privacy for kids apps requirements.

Advertising Rules for Kids Apps

Advertising is one of the most sensitive areas of app store privacy for kids apps.

To comply with Apple’s policies:

• ads must be non-personalized
• child-directed mode must be enabled
• ad content must be rated G
• data usage must be limited to basic ad delivery and fraud prevention

Our app uses Google AdMob strictly in non-personalized, child-directed mode. No user profiles are created, and no behavioral targeting is allowed.

Why Apple Requests Detailed Explanations

Even when an app fully complies with privacy laws, Apple may request detailed documentation.

This is because Apple:

• cannot assume third-party SDK behavior
• must verify every data flow
• is responsible for protecting children’s privacy

Clear explanations help reviewers confirm that app store privacy for kids apps standards are met and that children’s data is not misused.

Best Practices for Developers

To avoid delays during review, developers should:

• use only essential third-party SDKs
• disable all tracking and personalization features
• document privacy settings clearly
• keep privacy policies simple and transparent
• prepare written explanations for Apple reviewers

Strong app store privacy for kids apps practices build long-term trust with both Apple and parents.

Conclusion

App store privacy for kids apps is not an obstacle — it is a foundation for building safe, trusted digital experiences. Apple’s strict review process ensures that children are protected and that developers use data responsibly.

By configuring analytics and advertising tools correctly and documenting data usage clearly, teams can pass App Store review smoothly and focus on creating meaningful products for young audiences.

At OGW, privacy is not a checkbox — it is a core product value.

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