[tptacek]

If you read the thread we're commenting on, you'll see that the author removed a conspicuous warning indicator that screen recording was enabled, because their competitors didn't seem to be required to provide one. We don't know who those competitors are, but we do know that the author deliberately made this surveillance app stealthier because they believed they'd get away with it.

[GVRV]

My point is that if this is a violation and if the OP is correct that competitors are not following this rule, shouldn't Apple be transparent in its communication with OP? Why drag it out over years with cryptic responses?

Spoiler Alert: Because Apple (and Google) can get away with it.

[camhart]

I removed a red dot that didn't belong on my logo and wasn't being required by Apple with any other apps.

[tptacek]

For everyone else reading, here's the subthread:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29570450

[throw10920]

"If you click on the notification on MacOS, a menu pops up indicating the device is being monitored and includes instructions for how to uninstall the app though if you do an alert is sent indicating that you did."

How is changing the logo "removing" a "conspicuous warning indicator that screen recording was enabled" when the app literally tells you that the device is being monitored?

There's no meaningful difference between a new logo appearing that you can tap on to see that your device is being monitored, and the same logo with a red dot. A curious user is going to tap both of them, and a lazy user won't bother with either.

Claiming that altering the app icon without anything more (e.g. changing where/when the icon is visible, impersonating a system icon) is "removing a conspicuous warning indicator" is straight-up deceptive.