In our application, we have a 'sign up' link that directs users to a URL (which is shared by our website) where they can create an account on our platform. Users can create an account either through traditional sign-up methods (providing their name, email, phone number, and password) or by using social sign-up options such as LinkedIn or Google.
Our application was rejected after we introduced the Google and LinkedIn social sign-up options. As a temporary measure, we have removed the link to the sign-up page from the application. Currently, users can only sign in to the app if they already have an existing account using email and password.
From guideline 4.8 we have:
4.8 Login Services Apps that use a third-party or social login service … must also offer as an equivalent option another login service with the following features:
- the login service limits data collection to the user’s name and email address;
- the login service allows users to keep their email address private as part of setting up their account; and
- the login service does not collect interactions with your app for advertising purposes without consent.
This guideline clearly specifies that the three listed features are only applicable to the equivalent (non social sign-up) option, they are not relevant to the third party login options.
Furthermore, the two third party login options which we have added to the page in question (Google and Facebook) are listed as third-party or social login service options in guideline 4.8, so these are not options which are unfamiliar to Apple and are clearly separated from what the guideline defines as an equivalent option, thereby clarifying that they are not needed to be reviewed for adherence to the three features listed.
I have communicated with the review team multiple times, seeking more details or a resolution to the issue, but the responses have been vague, pointing us to guideline 4.8 without providing detail on what aspect we are not adhering to.
What would be the best approach to resolve this issue and reinstate the sign-up functionality in the app? Based on my research, it seems that adding Apple Sign In as a third social sign-in option might be a solution, but this sign-up method would be out of place on the website and it does not feel like Apple will strong-arm developers in such a way.
