Decentralized social media app Damus could be removed from Apple’s App Store for its Bitcoin tipping feature (BTC).
On June 13, Damus’s creators shared a warning letter from Apple, stating that the app would be removed from the platform due to the “Zaps” feature, which allows users and content creators to tip Bitcoin. The feature was made possible by integrating the Lighting Network widget for making Bitcoin payments and tips on the platform.
In his warning, Apple said the Zaps feature violates its policy that prohibits any form of tipping feature other than in-app purchases.. The tech giant said that while the tip feature is optional, “if [los usuarios] are connected to or associated with receiving digital content, they must use the in-app purchase in accordance with guideline 3.1.1.”.
Damus’s team called it a watershed moment with huge implications for peer-to-peer (P2P) supported platforms. The team also clarified that Damus does not sell digital products or offer features to sell them. It simply has tip buttons to facilitate P2P transactions like Venmo or Cash App.
Damus will be removed from the app store in 14 days, apple says zaps are not allowed on their platform because they *could* be used by content creators to sell digital content. This is right before we’re about to give our talk at the oslo freedom forum on how decentralized social… pic.twitter.com/uAK1U0UBet
— Damus ⚡️ (@damusapp) June 13, 2023
Damus will be removed from the app store in 14 days, Apple says zaps are not allowed on its platform because they *could* be used by content creators to sell digital content. This is right before we are about to give our Oslo freedom forum talk on how decentralized social media…
Bitcoin and cryptocurrency tipping have become very popular on social media, with Twitter and Reddit enabling this feature. Crypto tips allow for P2P transactions that do not require intermediaries for processing. Apple itself Approved “Game of Birds” App with Bitcoin Tips in 2015.
Zaps on Twitter good ✅
Zaps on @damusapp bad ❌Damus is being forced to remove this feature, what’s up with that? pic.twitter.com/nnq6ytna1I
— Damus ⚡️ (@damusapp) June 13, 2023
A Nostr creator, who calls himself Walker on Twitter, stressed that Apple’s issue with Zaps was misplaced because Damus doesn’t sell any digital content, and the creator asked the tech giant to rectify its mistake.
Many other cryptocurrency advocates too questioned how tipping on Twitter is acceptable, but the same feature on Damus violates Apple’s policies. Others accused Apple to protect the interests of Silicon Valley.
Clarification: The information and/or opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views or editorial line of Cointelegraph. The information presented here should not be taken as financial advice or investment recommendation. All investment and commercial movement involve risks and it is the responsibility of each person to do their due research before making an investment decision.
Investments in crypto assets are not regulated. They may not be suitable for retail investors and the entire amount invested may be lost. The services or products offered are not directed or accessible to investors in Spain.
