The move from Apple comes less than half a year after it listed Damus on the App Store.
In an unexpected twist, the tech behemoth Apple threatened to pull the plug on the decentralized social media application, Damus, hosted on the Nostr platform.
The conflict has arisen due to Damus's Bitcoin (BTC) tipping feature, labeled as "Zaps," enabling users to offer a gratuity to creators and fellow users.
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On the 13th of June, the team responsible for Damus received a cautionary note from Apple. The feature listed in the warning integrates with the Lightning Network widget. This allows seamless Bitcoin-based transactions and tips within the platform.
Apple's correspondence revealed that the Zaps feature infringes upon their stringent policies that allow in-app purchases for tipping features.
Apple allegedly emphasized that although the feature is optional, "if <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 developers interpret this as a critical juncture with far-reaching effects for platforms embracing peer-to-peer (P2P) support. In their defense, the company asserted that Damus doesn't deal in digital goods or have features promoting such transactions. Instead, it merely provides tip buttons similar to those found in Venmo or Cash App, enabling P2P exchanges.
A Nostr platform creator, known as Walker on Twitter, pointed out that Apple's contention with the Zaps feature is misdirected. He argues that since Damus doesn't sell digital assets, Apple's claims are unfounded. He has urged Apple to reconsider and amend its false interpretation.
This situation has sparked questions and criticisms from the crypto community. Observers are querying the discrepancy between Apple's acceptance of tips on Twitter and the same functionality being deemed a violation on Damus.
The decentralized social media app was listed on Apple App Store less than half a year ago, in February 2023.
