Decentralized social media app Damus could face the axe from the Apple App Store over its Bitcoin (BTC) tipping feature.
On June 13, the creators behind Damus shared a warning letter from Apple, which stated the app would be removed from the platform because of the "Zaps" feature allowing people to tip users and content creators in Bitcoin. The feature was made possible by integrating the Lighting Network widget to make Bitcoin payments and tips on the platform.
In its warning, Apple said the Zaps feature violates its policy prohibiting any form of tipping feature other than in-app purchases. The tech giant stated that even though the tipping feature may be optional, "if they [users] are connected to or associated with receiving digital content, they must use in-app purchase in accordance with guideline 3.1.1."
The Damus team called it a watershed moment with huge implications for platforms with peer-to-peer (P2P) support. The team also clarified that Damus doesn't sell digital goods or provide features for selling digital goods. It simply has tip buttons for facilitating P2P transactions like Venmo or Cash App.
Bitcoin or crypto tipping has become quite popular on social media platforms and the likes of Twitter and Reddit have also enabled the same. The crypto tipping feature makes way for peer-to-peer transactions that don't require an intermediary to process such transactions. Apple themselves approved a Bird game app with Bitcoin tipping in 2015.
Nostr creator who goes by the Twitter name Walker pointed out that the reservation made by Apple against its policies was wrongly placed as Damus is not selling any digital content and requested the tech giant to rectify their mistake.
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Many other crypto proponents also questioned how tips on Twitter are ok while the same feature on Damus violates Apple's policies. While others accused Apple of protecting the interest of Silicon Valley over decentralization.
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Source: Cointelegraph.com
(@damusapp) 
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