In a shocking development, Damus, a leading decentralized social networking application built atop Nostr, is under threat of eviction from Apple’s App Store. Apple has taken exception to Damus allowing its users to “tip” or “zap” in exchange for content from digital creators using a method that bypasses the conventional in-app purchase process. Consequently, this breach of Guideline 3.1.1 – Business – Payments – In-App Purchase, as cited by Apple, has set the stage for the potential removal of Damus, as informed to Damus founder William Casarin.
The timing of this news is indeed crucial, with Casarin slated to present at the Oslo Freedom Forum on how decentralized social networks, intertwined with lightning technology, could catalyze financial independence on a wider scale. This prospective elimination from the App Store questions the liberty of peer-to-peer transactions on the platform and suggests wider consequences for applications that hinge on Lightning integration and the value-for-value models on the app store.
As per Apple’s App Review’s official announcement, Damus was instructed to submit an App Store-compliant update within a two-week window to keep the app accessible. If the app fails to adhere to the guidelines within the specified timeline, it will be taken off sale. If post this period, Damus is deemed non-compliant and rejected, it will continue to be unlisted until an approved and compliant update is submitted and released.
Apple’s decision to withdraw Damus from the App Store will affect not only its existing users but also the ongoing internal and external testing via TestFlight version. If the app is discontinued, all public TestFlight links will be deactivated.
This situation kindles a debate on the future of apps integrated with Lightning and possible restrictions on peer-to-peer transactions on Apple’s platform. It remains a question whether Damus and its creator can work around these roadblocks and devise a solution that conforms to Apple’s regulations while upholding the fundamental tenets of decentralization and financial liberation.
Interestingly, Twitter enables “tips” via the Lightning Network on profiles that have this feature enabled, much like several high-profile accounts. It’s ambiguous how this function deviates from Damus’s zap feature, given that both employ Lightning and bypass in-app purchases.
Despite the looming uncertainty, Casarin voiced his concerns by stating, “If people can’t transact freely p2p on their platform, this has huge implications for the entire ecosystem of apps with lightning integration and v4v.” This statement underscores the severity of the situation and potential repercussions for the wider ecosystem of decentralized social networking applications.
Casarin further indicated a probable course of action – removing zaps to adhere to App Store guidelines, in a note posted on Nostr. The response to his note echoed support for the app’s creation and optimism about the eventual return of zaps.
Prominent figures have voiced their concerns about the situation, including U.S. Congressman Warren Davidson, who highlighted the importance of “Permission-less peer-to-peer payments” for defending freedom, in a tweet. Jack Dorsey, Twitter Founder, and former CEO, also took to Twitter, urging Apple CEO Tim Cook to reconsider the decision, emphasizing the potential of this function to democratize global economic participation.