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Manage Digital Services Act compliance information

Articles 30 and 31 of the Digital Services Act (DSA) require Apple to verify and display trader contact information for all traders distributing any Apple-hosted audio (i.e., Apple Podcasts Subscriptions content; not audio content available by RSS feed from non-Apple hosting providers) on Apple Podcasts in the European Union (EU). This includes an address, phone number, and email address that you provide to Apple for the purpose of posting on your Apple Podcasts product pages for any Apple-hosted audio in accordance with the DSA. Once verified, Apple will publish this information on the Apple Podcasts page when your Apple-hosted audio content is distributed in any of the 27 territories of the EU.

If you’re not a trader, consumers in the countries where the DSA is applicable will be informed that consumer rights stemming from applicable consumer protection laws won’t apply to contracts between you and them.


Trader self assessment

You must assess whether you are a trader for EU law purposes. If you don’t distribute any Apple-hosted audio on Apple Podcasts in the EU (e.g., you only distribute Apple-hosted audio content outside the EU), you’re not acting as a trader for EU law purposes on Apple Podcasts. 

Apple can’t determine whether you're a trader.

How to know if you’re a trader

The DSA defines a trader as “any natural person, or any legal person irrespective of whether privately or publicly owned, who is acting, including through any person acting in his or her name or on his or her behalf, for purposes relating to his or her trade, business, craft or profession.” 

Learn more about the Digital Services Act

The European Commission (EC) has issued a Notice on what constitutes a trader (See Section 2.2. “Concept of Trader"), though it is not specific to digital commerce. The EC has also published Guidance in the digital commerce context, from the perspective of when an ”influencer“ may be considered a trader.

To determine if you’re a trader, you should consider a range of non-exhaustive and non-exclusive factors (see those listed on page 2 in the EC’s Guidance, which may include:

  • Whether you make revenue as a result of your podcast(s) — especially if you're transacting in large volumes;
  • Whether you engage in commercial practices towards consumers, including advertising, or promoting products or services;
  • Whether you’re registered for VAT purposes; and
  • Whether you sell podcast(s) in connection with your trade, business, craft, or profession—meaning that you’re acting in a professional/business capacity. You’re unlikely to be a trader for EU law purposes if you’re acting “for purposes which are outside your trade, business, craft, or profession.” For example, if you’re a hobbyist.

Regardless of whether you’re an individual developer podcaster or organization, if you have a legal status associated with a business activity, that would suggest you may be a trader.

The material contained herein is informational, general in nature, and does not constitute legal advice. If you’re uncertain about your status as a trader, consult with your legal advisor.

Information you need to provide if you’re a trader

Individuals: You’ll need to enter the following for display on your Apple Podcasts product pages for any Apple-hosted audio:

  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Email address

This information is for display purposes only and won’t impact the information associated with your Apple Podcasters Program membership. 

Organizations: If you choose to enter a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)  number, the address associated with it will automatically display. If you don’t have a DUNS number, you’ll need to enter the following for display on your Apple Podcasts product pages for any Apple-hosted audio:

  • Phone number
  • Email address

This information is for display purposes only and won’t impact the information associated with your Apple Podcasters Program membership. If you need to update your physical address, contact us.

All traders: You’ll need to provide payment account details, if you haven’t already entered them in Apple Podcasts Connect. You'll also be asked to certify that you only offer products or services that comply with the applicable rules of EU law. 


Enter DSA compliance information

Required Role: You must have the Admin or Legal role in Apple Podcasts Connect to add DSA details. Learn more about users and roles.

  1. From the Apple Podcasts Connect home page, click Business.
  2. Select or add your legal entity.
  3. Next to Digital Services Act, click Complete Compliance Requirements.
  4. Select from the following options:
    1. This is a trader account. You’ll need to enter contact information for display on your Apple Podcasts product pages for any Apple-hosted audio. Continue to step 5.
    2. This is not a trader account. You won’t need to provide any contact information. Click Done.
  5. Enter or confirm the required contact information and click Next.
  6. Validate the email address you provided using two-factor authentication. Once you’re done, you’ll automatically be directed to the next step.
  7. Validate the phone number you provided on the previous screen using two-factor authentication, or request manual validation. Once you’re done, you’ll automatically be directed to the next step.
  8. Follow the instructions to upload your documentation:
    1. To verify your address, upload a certificate of incorporation or company letterhead that shows your organization’s official name or seal. If you’re an individual, you may provide a current government-issued photo ID that includes the physical address.
    2. If you’re displaying an alternate address, such as a P.O. Box, you’ll also need to provide documentation that reflects your association with this alternate address (for example, a receipt or bill).
    3. When you’re done, click Next.
  9. Review your information to make sure it’s correct, then click Confirm.