{"id":49108,"date":"2025-09-02T15:37:11","date_gmt":"2025-09-02T19:37:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mjtsai.com\/blog\/?p=49108"},"modified":"2025-09-02T17:37:06","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T21:37:06","slug":"itorrent-removed-via-notarization-due-to-sanctions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mjtsai.com\/blog\/2025\/09\/02\/itorrent-removed-via-notarization-due-to-sanctions\/","title":{"rendered":"iTorrent Removed via Notarization Due to Sanctions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ernesto Van der Sar<\/a> (Hacker News<\/a>, MacRumors<\/a>, Slashdot<\/a>):<\/p>\n

Under EU law, Apple is required to give its users more freedom to install apps that are not listed in the official App Store. This allows for easier access to software that’s typically prohibited by Apple, including the popular iTorrent BitTorrent client. The iTorrent client built a steady user base over the past year, but that came to an abrupt end when Apple decided to revoke the developer’s alternative distribution rights.<\/p>

[…]<\/p>

In July, several users complained<\/a> that they were unable to download iTorrent from AltStore PAL. Initially the cause of the problem was unclear but the app’s developer, XITRIX, later confirmed that Apple itself had stepped in.<\/p>

Apparently, Apple had revoked the developer’s “alternative distribution” right, which is required to publish apps in alternative stores, including AltStore PAL.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n

Jess Weatherbed<\/a> (Hacker News<\/a>):<\/p>\n

\n

In a statement to The Verge<\/em>, Apple spokesperson Peter Ajemian said, “Notarization for this app was removed in order to comply with government sanctions-related rules in various jurisdictions. We have communicated this to the developer.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n

Apple did not reach out the developer before revoking the app and took more than a month to provide any explanation.<\/p>\n\n

I did some quick searches and was not able to find any specific information about countries sanctioning BitTorrent or any recent changes that might have prompted Apple’s actions.<\/p>\n\n

Rick Findlay<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\n

The app’s developer says the move was carried out without notice, without explanation, and with no way to appeal, effectively cutting off access to a legal torrenting tool that had been gaining popularity across Europe over the past year.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

Ryan L. Clancy<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\n

The technology behind torrenting is lawful, and you can use it for legitimate purposes. However, its misuse can lead to severe penalties. Torrenting copyrighted material, for example, can lead to fines and potentially even jail time.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

Riley Testut<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\n

Really hard to run a marketplace when apps can disappear randomly without our control and we can’t do anything about it 😓<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

Kuba Suder<\/a>:<\/p>\n

I don’t like this vision of computing where some governments can decide what apps you’re allow to run on your device…<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n

Previously:<\/p>\n