Imagine stepping onto the battleground of the digital world where David, the social media app Damus, is taking on the mighty Goliath, Apple, in an intriguing conflict. It all started when Damus was suddenly flagged for removal from the iOS App Store, sparking an online uproar. Damus was reportedly vending content, an allegation the company vehemently denies.
Disputing the allegation on June 26, Damus stated via Twitter that it had undergone app modifications to clarify that digital content doesn't get unlocked when users receive tips. The company emphasized that cryptocurrency involvement comes into play only when users get tipped for their posts, not for content vending as claimed by Apple. Damus points to the "zap" button, a feature allowing users to appreciate other users' posts with tips. According to Damus, their model mirrors an already-existing structure where posts aren't tipped.
Interestingly, a Twitter user drew attention to Bitcoin tips being integrated into the Twitter app on iOS, which fueled a discussion about a potential lawsuit against Apple. Damus hinted that this could be a future possibility, coyly responding, "maybe."
Earlier this month, Apple had issued a two-week notice to Damus, asking them to revise their app, which they complied with. Now, Damus stands firm, underscoring its app merely has a 'tip button' that enables peer-to-peer transactions akin to Venmo or Cash App.
The frustration is palpable among Damus's users, who claim this is a classic instance of big-tech discrimination against a platform with a smaller user base, citing instances of Facebook's rules violation. Recently, Apple also rejected the Zeus Bitcoin wallet, attributing the decision to licensing violations. Some legal experts, however, believe that Apple's categorization of the app as a money transmitter is inaccurate.
With the Damus-Apple controversy ongoing, many are wondering whether Apple's app store updates might pose a risk to web3. Despite this, Damus appears resolute to fight the decision, hinting at a possible ruling reversal.
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