Decentralized social networking app Damus set to be removed from Apple’s App Store

In a surprising turn of events, Damus, the popular decentralized social networking app built on Nostr, is facing removal from Apple’s App Store. Apple claims that Damas violates their guidelines by allowing users to send “tips” (zaps) associated with acquiring content from digital content creators through mechanisms other than in-app purchases. Violations of Guideline 3.1.1 – Business – Payments – In-App Purchases have prompted Apple to take action, according to a message sent to Damas’ creator William Kaserin.

The news comes at a crucial time for Dumas and its creator, who were set to give a talk at the Oslo Freedom Forum on how the decentralized social network, integrated with Lightning technology, could bring financial freedom to the masses. The impending removal from the App Store raises concerns about the freedom to conduct peer-to-peer transactions on the platform and has wider implications for apps that rely on Lightning integration and value-for-value models on the App Store.

In an official communication from Apple’s App Review, Damus received notice that an update conforming to the App Store Review Guidelines must be submitted within 14 days to ensure the app’s availability. Failure to comply within the given time frame will result in removal of the app from sale. Additionally, if a Dumas is found to be out of compliance and is rejected after the 14 day period, it will be unavailable until a compliance update is submitted, approved and issued.

The removal of Damas from the App Store will affect not only its current users, but also external and internal testing via the TestFlight version. If the app is closed, all public TestFlight links will cease to function.

The development raises questions about the future of apps with Lightning integration and the potential limits to peer-to-peer transactions on Apple’s platform. It remains to be seen how Damus and its creators will respond to this setback and whether they can find a solution that aligns with Apple’s guidelines while maintaining the core principles of decentralization and financial independence.

An interesting note is that Twitter allows “tips” via the Lightning Network if enabled on the profile. several Big Accounts need It’s unclear how this function differs from the Zap feature within Damus, as both use Lightning and don’t rely on in-app purchases.

In case of uncertainty, Kaiserin expressed his concern, stating, “If people can’t transact freely p2p on their platform, that has huge implications for the entire ecosystem of apps with Lightning integration and v4v.” The statement reflects the seriousness of the situation and the potential implications for the wider ecosystem of decentralized social networking apps.

In another note posted to Noster, Kaserin said that “it’s been an honor for all of you,” implying that the most likely next step is to remove Zap in order to comply with App Store rules. Responses to the note expressed support and appreciation for the creation of the app, and hope that Zaps will return at some point.

US Congressman Warren Davidson issued a statement on Twitter which read in part, “Permissionless peer-to-peer payments are essential to protect freedom.” Apart from these, the founder and former CEO of Twitter is Jack Dorsey. Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted Saying ceremony “has the potential to bring people around the world into economies without traditional gatekeepers. Please reconsider @tim_cook.