Apple has been accused of accidentally removing applications from its App store in a bid to reduce its gambling content.

A number of developers had found their apps taken down from the App Store and received a message informing them Apple was removing gambling-related apps made by individuals.

The aim of this was to reduce fraudulent behaviour and comply with government requests to address illegal gambling activity.

However, the apps in question did not actually have any connection to gambling sites or companies, causing frustration for the affected developers.

Apple’s actions may have been prompted by recent criticism from China, where state media claimed the company is not doing enough to block message content that includes, among other things, gambling.

Norway has also succeeded in forcing Apple to ban all gambling apps from its local App Store.

The most recent removals look to have been applied worldwide and not in any specifically targeted country or area.

However, Apple has addressed the issue as some of the apps are now being brought back online.