App Rejected on 17.2 clause. Asking for email ID

Question

My app is a sync solution (imagine dropbox). The user needs to sign in to access the app\'s features, and if he does not have any account already created, he can sign up.

Answer 1

I got the same thing last week and this is Apple's reply:

As for the 17.2 issue, a nickname, avatar, or sharing are not inherent or specific features of those social networks, and thus, the user should not be required to register with those services, or provide you with access to their social network accounts. The user should not be prevented from using your app and service if they do not provide this information.

Instead, it would be appropriate use your own authentication method and give users the option to create a nickname and upload an avatar, independent from those networks.

Moreover, we realize that these social networks may be very popular. However, the popularity of the social network is not an appropriate reason to force a user who has not, or chose not to register and provide their personal information to those services, before they can use your app.

Therefore, we ask that you to include your own authentication mechanism to allow the user the option to register only with you, creating an account with only the information needed and relevant to your app's features.

Best regards,

App Store Review

So in short, you have to provide custom authentication and not just use Facebook. Although I've seen many Apps who do require you to login with Facebook.

Thanks, James

Answer 2

Asked App Store Review people for clarification on their rejection. They accepted it. and the app got approved :D Its on Appstore now :)