Decentralized social media app Damus might face the axe from the Apple App Retailer over its Bitcoin (BTC) tipping function.
On June 13, the creators behind Damus shared a warning letter from Apple, which said the app can be faraway from the platform due to the “Zaps” function permitting individuals to tip customers and content material creators in Bitcoin. The function was made doable by integrating the Lighting Community widget to make Bitcoin funds and tips about the platform.
In its warning, Apple stated the Zaps function violates its coverage prohibiting any type of tipping function apart from in-app purchases. The tech large said that despite the fact that the tipping function could also be elective, “in the event that they [users] are related to or related to receiving digital content material, they need to use in-app buy in accordance with guideline 3.1.1.“
The Damus group referred to as it a watershed second with big implications for platforms with peer-to-peer (P2P) assist. The group additionally clarified that Damus doesn’t promote digital items or present options for promoting digital items. It merely has tip buttons for facilitating P2P transactions like Venmo or Money App.
Damus shall be faraway from the app retailer in 14 days, apple says zaps will not be allowed on their platform as a result of they *might* be utilized by content material creators to promote digital content material. That is proper earlier than we’re about to provide our speak on the oslo freedom discussion board on how decentralized social… pic.twitter.com/uAK1U0UBet
— Damus⚡️ (@damusapp) June 13, 2023
Bitcoin and crypto tipping has change into fairly standard on social media platforms, with Twitter and Reddit enabling the function. The crypto tipping function makes approach for P2P transactions that don’t require an middleman to course of. Apple itself authorised the “Sport of Birds” app with Bitcoin tipping in 2015.
Zaps on Twitter good ✅
Zaps on @damusapp unhealthy ❌Damus is being compelled to take away this function, whats up with that? pic.twitter.com/nnq6ytna1I
— Damus⚡️ (@damusapp) June 13, 2023
One Nostr creator, who goes by the Twitter identify, Walker, highlighted that Apple’s problem with Zaps was wrongly positioned as a result of Damus will not be promoting any digital content material, and the creator requested the tech large to rectify its mistake.
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Many different crypto proponents additionally questioned how tips about Twitter are acceptable, however the identical function on Damus violates Apple’s insurance policies. Others accused Apple of defending the pursuits of Silicon Valley.
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