Specifically there's a site called gab.com that's about free speech and has attracted a number of radical people. Because of this it has been banned form the Apple app store, even in its more recent iterations as it moved into the fediverse.
I was thinking of forking their old app and making a third party app that blocked sensitive content, hopefully making the app acceptable for the app store (since the previous one was banned due to hate speech).
I'd hate to go through all that work just to have Apply say they won't allow it anyways.
If I want to create an app in a sensitive subject area, is there a way to contact Apple before making the app to see if they'll allow it or not?
Best Answer
The short answer is once you are a paid developer, you have paid support from developer relations. I can't imagine apple would offer anyone an unofficial or cursory "you're good" without seeing the app
The good news is Apple now has clearly worded and very specific public guidance on what app review considers and specific items relating to safety.
Apple’s review guidelines should help you decide if you want to pay the $100 to get a proper response from Apple on your specific implementation of a front end to that site. (Even if there is an API to let you host it - seems the site is having problems getting hosted and has moved to paid only access)
Section 1 on safety has all you should need to decide if “free speech” means you cannot or choose not to control bullying and hateful speech.
The bar for publishing free speech apps is that you would be held accountable for Apple’s definition of ensuring some level of safety for people that download your app.
Now, how you value your time - I would presume you'd spend 10x on legal advice so you understand the contract you sign to become a developer over the $100 Apple charges to be a developer.
The hierarchy of control is pretty easy to see, though if you step back from the details of app review. From most strict to least strict Apple services:
I would say, think about why your app has to be on the App Store and not a web app if it’s just a discussion forum or place for people to gather. Free speech generally restricts governments and not platforms and companies like Apple or even Stack Exchange which all publish guidelines restricting speech on their platforms.