Nostr App Damus Appeals Removal from Apple iOS Store

Nostr-based app Damus is fighting back against its removal from the Apple App Store. It denies that any content is being sold via the app.

Nostr-based app Damus is fighting back against Apple’s decision to remove it from the iOS App Store. Apple claimed it was allegedly selling content, which Damus claims is “nonsense.”

Nostr App Damus Firm On Its Stance

Damus tweeted on June 26 that it was still being removed from the app store, even after updating its app to “make it clear that no digital content is getting unlocked when users are tipped.”

It emphasized that the only involvement of crypto was when users were tipped for their posts. It is not the case that users are being paid for content, which Damus clarified when the case was first brought to their attention.

A series of messages by Damus also explained how the matter could be addressed, drawing to the ‘zap’ button, which is used to tip users. In a later tweet, Damus stated the following,

“We have an identical setup now. We just provide a shortcut to this on posts. The user does not see a tip to their post, only their profile. The idea that this could be used for selling content is ridiculous.”

The tweet was in response to a user who pointed out that Bitcoin tips were integrated into the Twitter app on iOS. Another user suggested that a lawsuit against Apple should be on the cards, to which Damus responded, “maybe.”

Another tweet suggested that Damus should just pay Apple’s 30% tax to solve the problem. Damus dismissed this by arguing that it doesn’t host any paid content.

Damus Updated App As Apple Requested

The Apple-Damus discussion made headlines earlier in the month. Apple gave the decentralized social media platform a 14-day warning about a potential removal. Apple asked Damus to update its app, which it did.

The app has made it clear that it only “has a tip button for facilitating p2p transactions like Venmo or Cash App.” Upset users pointed to Facebook’s violation of rules and said that it was simply a case of Damus having a smaller user base.

Apple Also Rejects Zeus

Apple also recently rejected the Zeus non-custodial Bitcoin wallet over licensing violations. Legal experts explained that Apple’s classification of the app as a money transmitter was wrong.

The potential removal of the Nostr-based app is just another bit of evidence in the discussion. Apple’s app store updates could be a threat to web3. Damus, however, is determined to appeal the decision, so there may be an overturning of the ruling.