DSIT publishes updates to Code of Practice for App Store Operators & App Developers
This voluntary Code of Practice, underpinned by eight security and privacy principles, sets out practical steps for App Store Operators and App Developers to protect users.
Originally published in December 2022, the Code of Practice has now been updated to incorporate operator feedback which was gathered during the original nine-month implementation period and looked at progress being made as well as barriers to implementation. The changes center around:
- providing additional guidance and clarification on what is required for several provisions;
- adding an appeals process for developers; and
- signposting more to international standards.
In order to support the implementation of the revised Code of Practice, DSIT has extended the implementation period to 30 June 2024. This extension is to provide stakeholders with additional time to absorb and incorporate these minor changes; and DSIT also intends to use this period to increase its engagement with developers and operators and expand monitoring and evaluation activities.
Indeed, after the June 2024 deadline, DSIT will review adherence levels to the Code of Practice and make a policy recommendation to the minister on next steps.
You can view the full updated Code of Practice for App Store Operators & App Developers here.

Dan Patefield
Dan leads the techUK Cyber Security programme, having originally joined techUK in August 2017 as a Programme Manager working across the Cyber and Defence programmes. He is responsible for managing techUK's work across the cyber security eco-system, bringing industry together with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors. Dan also provides the industry secretariat for the Cyber Growth Partnership, the industry and Governmnet conduit for supporting growth across the sector. A key focus of his work is to strengthen the public-private partnership across cyber security to support further development of UK cyber security policy.

Jill Broom
Jill is techUK’s Programme Manager for Cyber Security, working across the cyber eco-system to bring industry together with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors.

Annie Collings
Annie joined techUK as the Programme Manager for Cyber Security and Central Government in September 2023.
Raya Tsolova
Raya Tsolova is the Programme Manager for National Security at techUK.
Tracy Modha
Tracy supports several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Cyber Security, Defence, Health and Social Care, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.