1.4.5 — Activities risking physical harm

Content or app mechanics that dare, challenge, or incentivize users toward physically dangerous behavior, including extreme stunts or self-harm trends, falls under this rule even when framed as entertainment.

Social or challenge apps built around viral trend formats sometimes surface user-submitted dangerous-stunt content without any filtering for physical risk.

The short version, in more detail

Guideline 1.4.5 targets apps that encourage activities likely to cause physical harm, such as dangerous stunts, extreme challenges or self-harm trends. Even when presented as entertainment, content that dares or rewards risky behaviour can fall under this rule. Social and challenge apps that surface viral formats are the usual source.

Why this rule exists

Apps are used by people of all ages, and content that dares or rewards risky physical behaviour can lead to real injuries, especially among younger users who copy what they see. Viral challenges have shown how quickly a dangerous idea can spread through social features. Apple therefore treats encouragement of physical harm as a content problem in its own right, not only a question of age rating, and looks at how an app's incentives shape what people do.

What this guideline covers

• Content that encourages dangerous stunts or challenges.
• Self-harm trends and similar behaviours.
• Incentives or rewards for taking physical risks.
• User-submitted content that shows dangerous acts.

What usually triggers this rejection

• A challenge app that rewards extreme or dangerous stunts.
• User videos of risky behaviour surfaced with no filtering.
• Gamified features that push users toward unsafe physical activity.
• Trend-driven content that normalises self-harm.
• Apps that encourage use of hazardous equipment or conditions.

How reviewers evaluate it

• Reviewers look at the app's incentives and what behaviour they reward.
• They check how user content is filtered for dangerous acts.
• They consider the audience, particularly when young users are likely.
• They weigh whether risk is incidental or a core part of the experience.

Common misunderstandings

• Framing something as a game or entertainment does not remove the risk concern.
• Disclaimers do not offset an app whose core appeal is dangerous behaviour.
• Sports and fitness apps are not covered merely for involving physical effort.

Common questions