### Apple's decision to potentially delist the Nostr-based Damus app from the App Store over its Bitcoin tipping feature has sparked controversy and raised questions about Apple's policies. The creators of Damus received a warning letter from Apple, stating that the app violates the company's guidelines on tipping features, which only allow in-app purchases for tipping.

Damus, a decentralized social media app, had integrated the Lighting Network widget to enable Bitcoin payments and tips. However, Apple argues that this integration goes against their policy. The Damus team emphasizes that their app does not sell digital goods but rather facilitates peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions through tip buttons, similar to popular platforms like Venmo or Cash App.



<blockquote className="twitter-tweet">Damus will be removed from the app store in 14 days, apple says zaps are not allowed on their platform because they *could* be used by content creators to sell digital content. This is right before we’re about to give our talk at the oslo freedom forum on how decentralized social… <a href="https://t.co/uAK1U0UBet">pic.twitter.com/uAK1U0UBet</a>— Damus⚡️ (@damusapp) <a href="https://twitter.com/damusapp/status/1668529709867495424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2023</a></blockquote> 



This decision by Apple is seen as a significant moment with potentially far-reaching implications for platforms that support P2P transactions. Crypto tipping has gained popularity on social media platforms such as Twitter and Reddit, leading to questions about the inconsistency in Apple's policies.



<blockquote className="twitter-tweet">Zaps on Twitter good ✅ Zaps on <a href="https://twitter.com/damusapp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@damusapp</a> bad ❌ Damus is being forced to remove this feature, whats up with that? <a href="https://t.co/nnq6ytna1I">pic.twitter.com/nnq6ytna1I</a>— Damus⚡️ (@damusapp) <a href="https://twitter.com/damusapp/status/1668578931111350276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2023</a></blockquote> 



Critics argue that Apple is protecting the interests of Silicon Valley and wrongly targeting Damus, as the app does not sell digital content. They point out the inconsistency of allowing tipping features on Twitter while penalizing Damus for a similar functionality.



The situation has prompted the creator of Nostr, the underlying platform of Damus, to call on Apple to rectify its mistake and reconsider the decision. Many crypto proponents have joined the discussion, questioning the disparity in treatment between different platforms.



It remains to be seen how Apple will respond and whether Damus will be removed from the App Store. This incident highlights the challenges faced by decentralized platforms and their integration with established app stores.

Apple's decision to potentially delist the Nostr-based Damus app from the App Store over its Bitcoin tipping feature has sparked controversy and raised questions about Apple's policies. The creators of Damus received a warning letter from Apple, stating that the app violates the company's guidelines on tipping features, which only allow in-app purchases for tipping.

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