In a recent development, Damus, a decentralized social messaging app backed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, faced the possibility of being removed from the Apple App Store within 14 days. The app had integrated the Lightning Network, a payment protocol enabling direct bitcoin exchanges within the app. Damus claimed that Apple’s concerns revolved around content creators utilizing these payment features to sell digital content on its platform. Apple’s strict guidelines regarding in-app payments and its 30% cut were cited as the reasons behind the potential ban.
Apple’s Initial Threat and Subsequent Reversal
Damus initially reported on Twitter that Apple was considering the ban due to the app’s integration with the Lightning Network. Damus referred to these payments as “zaps” on its underlying platform, Nostr. Apple’s primary worry appeared to be the potential misuse of zaps by content creators to sell digital content on the platform. Apple has a well-known history of prohibiting app developers from using in-app payments for additional content or add-ons unless these payments go through Apple’s system.
Following Damus’ tweet, Apple issued a statement highlighting their commitment to reviewing all apps against the same set of guidelines. They specifically mentioned a feature within Damus that allowed users to send tips in connection with digital content, violating App Store Review Guidelines. However, Apple later retracted its threat, but with the condition that Damus removes certain payment functionality, such as the “zap button” on posts, which Apple considers as “selling digital content.”
Jack Dorsey’s Displeasure and the Vision for Global Payment Protocol
Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey expressed his displeasure with Apple’s actions. He argued that tipping on posts should not be categorized as selling digital content but rather as a form of feedback. Dorsey emphasized the need to allow people to send bitcoin to each other, citing the opportunity to build a truly global payment protocol for the internet. He believed that such a protocol would immensely benefit Apple and encouraged them to embrace it.
Jack Dorsey’s Advocacy for Decentralized Apps and Nostr
Jack Dorsey, also the CEO of payments company Block, has been a vocal advocate for decentralized apps as the next evolution of social media. These apps aim to offer users the freedom to express themselves without being subjected to the policies of social media operators. Dorsey’s company, Block, has made significant investments in cryptocurrency, including systems to facilitate bitcoin mining.
In December, Dorsey donated 14 bitcoins to the team building Nostr, a decentralized social media initiative that aims to avoid being controlled by any specific leader or commercial entity. Nostr empowers users to maintain their identities across multiple Nostr-powered apps like Damus, facilitating bitcoin exchanges via the Lightning Network.
Bluesky and the Shift to Decentralized Messaging
Apart from Damus and Nostr, Jack Dorsey is also a supporter of the Bluesky messaging app. Built on the AT Protocol, a decentralized networking technology, Bluesky gained popularity as users sought alternatives to Twitter due to concerns over hate speech and bugs. Although smaller in scale compared to established messaging apps, Bluesky has garnered attention as users value its lack of algorithms, absence of ads, and avoidance of collecting and selling user data.
Conclusion
The potential removal of Damus from the Apple App Store due to its payment functionality highlighted the ongoing clash between decentralized apps and centralized platforms. Damus, backed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, faced challenges in integrating Lightning Network-based payment features into its social messaging app. Apple’s strict guidelines regarding in-app payments raised concerns, resulting in a threat to remove Damus from the App Store. However, Apple later retracted the threat, provided Damus removed certain payment functionality.
Jack Dorsey, an advocate for decentralized apps, voiced his displeasure with Apple’s decision, emphasizing the potential for a global payment protocol and the advantages it could bring to companies like Apple. With the rise of decentralized platforms and messaging apps like Nostr and Bluesky, the future of social media and payment systems remains an evolving landscape.