Seeking advice on why Dog Translator Game for Dogs violates guideline 1.1.6 Safety: Objectionable Content

Question

senarda OP

Created 6d

Replies 2

Boosts 0

Participants 3

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out for advice on how to address a rejection under guideline 1.1.6 for my app, Dog Translator Game for Dogs.

The app is meant to be a fun, interactive experience for dog owners. It offers playful features such as:

Playing pre-recorded dog sounds to see how dogs react.
Converting a user's voice into dog-like barks for entertaining interactions.
Recording a dog’s vocalizations and matching them to a library of sounds, giving users an idea of what their dog might be "saying" based on the tone and pitch.

To avoid any confusion, I’ve clearly presented the app as a game and for entertainment purposes only. I’ve even included “Game” in the app name and categorized it under Entertainment and Games in the App Store. The description explicitly states that the app isn’t scientifically accurate or designed to translate dog speech—it’s just a lighthearted way to interact with pets.

Despite all this, the app was rejected because it was deemed to have misleading or deceptive content. Below is the text from the rejection:

“Hello, The issues we previously identified still need your attention.

If you have any questions, we are here to help. Reply to this message in App Store Connect and let us know.

Review Environment  Submission ID: [removed]  Review date: December 15, 2024 Version reviewed: 1.0.2 Guideline 1.1.6 - Safety - Objectionable Content  The app contains content or features that are misleading, intended to deceive users, or are otherwise fraudulent.

Specifically, translating for dogs.

Please note that adding a disclaimer to the app description is not sufficient if the rest of the metadata and the app are misleading.”

What I’ve Done to Address This:

Renamed the app to include Game in the title, emphasizing its purpose as a fun and entertaining tool.
Rewritten the description to explicitly clarify that the app is not a serious translation tool but a playful way to engage with dogs.
Ensured the app is listed in the Entertainment and Games categories.

It’s disappointing because the app is designed purely for fun, and I’ve gone to great lengths to communicate that to potential users.

My Question:

Have any of you faced a similar situation? What additional steps could I take to ensure reviewers understand that this app is meant for entertainment and not to mislead users?

I’m open to any suggestions or insights you might have to help me refine my approach before resubmitting.

Thanks in advance for your input! Arda

Boost

Answer 1

Claude31 OP

6d

Including the "game" word and a notice that it is for entertainment only is not enough according to guideline 1.1.6

False information and features, including inaccurate device data or trick/joke functionality, such as fake location trackers. Stating that the app is “for entertainment purposes” won’t overcome this guideline.

My understanding is that reviewer considers that some people will think they are able to speak to their dog. That's what your app name suggests with "Translator" and that could mislead users into thinking they will be able to "speak" dog.

No one can give sure advice to pass review, but…

At least, you could rename completely the app, eliminating the translator word. May be something like "Barking like a dog" or "Barking" ? would be more acceptable.
And check that your app cannot be understood as a way to speak to a dog. Even the icon should take care of this, as well as all textes and images in the app.

Good luck.

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Answer 2

App Review OP

Apple

5d

Thank you for your post and appeal. We're investigating and will contact you in App Store Connect to provide further assistance. If you continue to experience issues during review, please contact us.

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