Apple has warned the creators of Damus, a decentralized social media app powered by Nostr, that it will remove the app from the App Store if its Bitcoin tipping feature is not removed.
Damus, a decentralized social media app that runs on Nostr, a peer-to-peer network for public messages, is facing possible removal from Apple’s App Store.
This reason is its Bitcoin tipping feature, which enables users to send and receive Bitcoin tips on posts via the Lightning Network.
Apple’s warning to Damus’s creators states that the app’s “zaps” feature, which facilitates Bitcoin tipping, fails to comply with its App Store guidelines.
Apple only allows in-app purchases for gratuity and prohibits other forms, as they could link to receiving digital content.
“To ensure there is no interruption of the availability of your app on the App Store, please submit an update within 14 days of the date of this message”, “If we do not receive an update compliant with the App Store Review Guidelines within 14 days, your app will be removed from sale.”
Tech Giant, Apple
How did Damus App respond?
Damus has defended its Bitcoin tipping feature, claiming that it neither sells digital goods nor provides any features for selling digital goods. It says that zaps are tips that facilitate peer-to-peer transactions, like Venmo or Cash App.
Damus also referred to the warning as a “watershed moment” for peer-to-peer transactions and said it would affect many other platforms with similar features.
Damus has asked its users to voice their opinions and support on Twitter and other social media platforms.
This conflict demonstrates Apple’s difficulty in adopting cryptocurrencies, questioning their future and relation with tech giants, and highlighting Apple and Bitcoin’s potential.
However, Apple’s issue with Damus is about compliance, not rejection.
As cryptocurrencies expand worldwide, it’s possible to see a future where tech giants like Apple will set clear rules to integrate and regulate crypto transactions securely and reliably.
