Researchers said the app violates Apple’s sandboxing security policies by surreptitiously copying a user’s entire browser history and cookies and sending both to a China-based domain. The app, which cost $5, was listed on Apple’s Mac App Store as the company’s fourth-highest “Top Paid” software program.

But it appears, only after faced with public scrutiny, did Apple remove the app. In addition to Adware Doctor, Apple also took action against a number of different macOS apps that also collected browser history data.Īpple was initially alerted to the rogue app in early August – over a month ago. Apple removed the top-rated app Adware Doctor from its official Mac App Store after researchers publicly exposed the privacy-busting app on Friday.