Jack Dorsey-Backed Damus Says It Faces App Store Removal For Bitcoin Tipping Despite App Update

Social media platform Damus, which utilizes Jack Dorsey-backed decentralized social platform, Nostr, is being removed from the Apple Inc AAPL App Store for violating the tech giant's guideline on “business payments.” 

What Happened: Damus features a function for users to provide Bitcoin BTC/USD tips for the posts they like, which has been flagged by the App Store for violating its policy on in-app purchases only being allowed through Apple’s service. 

Earlier, Apple had provided Damus with a two-week deadline to remove the feature, but the platform proved unsuccessful in attempting to meet Apple’s guidelines regarding the tipping function, which could lead to its removal.

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Why It Matters: Damus developers argue that Apple’s decision to remove their platform appears arbitrary, noting that theirs are not traditional in-app content purchases but rather a form of charitable giving. 

"Users are only ever tipped after posts are made, the idea that content is being sold is nonsense. We will be filing an appeal as this guideline is clearly being abused and misapplied."

Jack Dorsey took to Twitter and said "Tips aren't unlocking content Apple."

https://twitter.com/jack/status/1673364469068578822

A few weeks ago, Dorsey had criticized Apple's decision to threaten the app with removal. In a tweet, the Twitter co-founder argued against the company's stance and questioned its motives for prohibiting individuals from sending Bitcoin to one another. "Tipping on posts is not selling digital content,” Dorsey had pointed out. “It's a form of feedback.”

Price Action: At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $30,450, up 0.41% in the last 24 hours, according to data from Benzinga Pro. 

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