# Guideline 1.1.7 - Safety: Exploiting Recent Events or Tragedies

**Guideline:** 1.1.7 · **Store:** Apple App Store · **Severity:** high · **Fix difficulty:** hard · **Typical turnaround:** 1-3 days

Canonical URL: https://appstorereject.com/rejections/apple/1/guideline-117-safety-exploiting-recent-events-or-tragedies

## Description

Apple is rejecting your app because it capitalizes on or seeks to profit from recent or current events such as violent conflicts, terrorist attacks, epidemics, or natural disasters. This applies even if the app's intent is informational — the key question is whether Apple perceives it as exploitative. This rejection most commonly appears during or immediately after major world events. Apps created quickly to monetize a crisis, games that trivialize ongoing conflicts, or content that sensationalizes tragedies will be rejected. News and charity apps that serve the public interest are generally fine, but the line between 'informing' and 'exploiting' is subjective. The timing of your submission matters. An app about a historical event is less likely to trigger this than the same app submitted during an active crisis.

## Common variations

- App capitalizes on or seeks to profit from a recent tragedy
- App content exploits or trivializes a current crisis or conflict
- Game or entertainment app based on an ongoing real-world tragedy
- App monetizes content related to a recent epidemic or disaster

## Example rejection email

```
Guideline 1.1.7 - Safety - Objectionable Content

Your app appears to capitalize on or seek to profit from a recent tragic event. Apps that exploit recent events such as violent conflicts, terrorist attacks, or epidemics are not appropriate for the App Store.

Next Steps:
Please review your app content and ensure it does not exploit or trivialize recent events or tragedies.
```

## Resolution steps

## Quick Assessment
- **Risk level:** High
- **Resolution path:** Depends on app purpose — legitimate public interest apps can appeal; exploitative apps must pivot
- **Typical turnaround:** 1-3 days

## The Fix

01. **Assess whether the app genuinely serves public interest** — If it's a news, relief, or charity app, prepare documentation showing its legitimate purpose.

02. **Remove monetization from crisis content** — If the app has ads or IAP tied to crisis-related content, remove the monetization. Free, ad-free apps serving public interest are much more likely to be approved.

03. **Wait for the event to pass** — If the content is about a historical event that is currently active, consider delaying submission until the crisis phase has passed.

04. **Reframe as educational** — If the app has educational value, emphasize the educational aspects and remove any entertainment framing.

## Prevention
- Don't rush to publish apps tied to breaking news events
- If building apps about real-world events, focus on education and public service rather than entertainment
- Remove advertising from any crisis-related content

## Appeal guidance

Appeal if your app genuinely serves the public interest (e.g., disaster relief coordination, verified news reporting, charitable fundraising for affected communities). Provide evidence of partnerships with relief organizations or news credentials.

## Before / after examples

**Before:** Paid game based on an ongoing military conflict with in-app purchases for weapons
**After:** App reconceived as a free educational resource about the conflict's humanitarian impact, with links to verified relief organizations
**Why it works:** Shifting from entertainment/profit to public service removes the exploitative framing.

## Common questions

**Can you appeal a 1.1.7 rejection?**

Appeal if your app genuinely serves the public interest (e.g., disaster relief coordination, verified news reporting, charitable fundraising for affected communities). Provide evidence of partnerships with relief organizations or news credentials.

**How long does this typically take to fix?**

Typical turnaround is 1-3 days (difficulty: hard). After resubmission, most re-reviews complete within 24-48 hours.

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*Machine-readable source: https://api.appstorereject.com/api/rejections/detail?slug=guideline-117-safety-exploiting-recent-events-or-tragedies*