Damus, the Decentralized Social Networking App Backed by Jack Dorsey, Faces Removal from the App Store
A Struggle Against Apple’s Payment Rules
Damus, a decentralized social networking app backed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, is facing removal from the App Store due to Apple’s strict payment rules. This move comes after the company had threatened to remove Damus earlier this month over its tips feature, which could be used by content creators to sell digital content on the platform.
A History of Conflicts with Apple
Apple has a long history of prohibiting developers from selling additional in-app content unless the transactions go through Apple, taking a 30% cut. In an attempt to avoid a ban, the team behind Damus had to tweak its tipping feature, made possible by way of Bitcoin’s Lightning Network.
A Series of Rejections and Appeals
The company previously explained in a tweet that it had removed the tips button from posts and was only allowed to permit tips on profiles. However, despite these changes, Damus revealed on Monday that its app will be removed from the App Store. The company shared a screenshot of Apple’s review notes, which state that the app’s tips feature still does not comply with its guidelines.
Apple’s Guidelines and the Misapplication of Rules
According to Apple’s guidelines, ‘although tips or donations may be optional, if they are connected to or associated with receiving digital content, they must use in-app purchase in accordance’ with its rules. A spokesperson for Apple told TechCrunch in an email that the company rejected the app upon receiving Damus’ latest submission, noting that the issues it had previously outlined were unresolved.
Damus’ Plans and Jack Dorsey’s Reaction
Damus plans to file an appeal to fight Apple’s decision. The company wrote on Twitter, ‘Looks like we are getting removed from the App Store even after updating our app to make it clear that no digital content is getting unlocked when users are tipped.’ Damus also stated that users are only ever tipped after posts are made, and the idea that content is being sold is nonsense.
Jack Dorsey’s Support
Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey reacted to Apple’s decision in a tweet on Monday, outlining that ‘tips aren’t unlocking content.’ Dorsey has been a long-time supporter of decentralized social networking protocols, having donated around $245,000 in bitcoin (then roughly 14 BTC) to fund the development of an open and decentralized social networking protocol known as Nostr last year.
Nostr and Its Potential
Nostr is based on cryptographic key pairs and allows users to post updates without a central authority making decisions about content or who’s allowed to participate. Damus is the first mobile app to leverage this protocol, promising an open social network without a central authority that makes decisions about the network’s content or who’s allowed to participate.
Damus’ Promise
The app’s promise is centered around being an open social network without a central authority. It has end-to-end encrypted messaging and does not require users to sign up with a phone number, email, or name because of how Nostr works. This approach appeals to users who are looking for more control over their data and online presence.
The App Store’s Stricter Policies
Apple’s strict policies have been a source of controversy in the tech industry. With the rise of decentralized social networking apps like Damus, Apple is facing challenges to its traditional business model. The company has been accused of stifling innovation by enforcing its own rules on developers.
Industry Reactions and Support for Decentralized Social Networking
The removal of Damus from the App Store has sparked reactions from the tech industry, with some supporting decentralized social networking apps and others criticizing Apple’s policies. This development highlights the ongoing struggle between decentralized platforms and traditional business models in the tech industry.
Will Damus Find a New Home?
As the battle between Damus and Apple continues, it remains to be seen whether the app will find a new home. The company has expressed its commitment to staying on the App Store, but it’s unclear what the future holds for this innovative app.