Coinbase CEO Criticizes Apple When Damus Is Removed From App Store

by Nik Asti

Published: June 28, 2023 at 4:00 am Updated: June 28, 2023 at 3:24 am

by William Savage

Edited and fact-checked: June 28, 2023 at 4:00 am

In Brief

Brian Armstrong of Coinbase criticized Apple for removing Damus from their shelves. He considers this to be disrespectful to users and destroys the brand image. The founder of this open social app vowed to appeal the decision.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has taken to Twitter to voice his strong disapproval following Apple’s decision to remove Damus, an open social app based on the Nostr protocol, from the App Store. Armstrong blasted Apple’s move as disrespectful to users and damaging to Damus’ brand.

Coinbase CEO Criticizes Apple When Damus Is Removed From App Store

In his tweet, Armstrong stated, “It’s really crazy that Apple will unilaterally block you from running the software you want on your own device. One of the most disrespectful parts of their culture, and it’s damaging to their brand.”

The news of the removal came directly from William Casarin, the founder of Damus. On Monday, Casarin informed the public that Damus would be taken off the App Store. On Tuesday for alleged violations of Apple’s in-app purchase rules. Despite making changes to the app to clarify that users won’t unlock any digital content after paying, Apple stood by its decision.

Damus has announced plans to appeal the decision, accusing Apple of misapplying and abusing its rules. The app was initially launched on the App Store earlier this year but received a removal notice from Apple on June 13 due to its unique “zaps” feature. This functionality allowed users to send small amounts of Bitcoin to content creators via the Lightning Network.

Damus and Apple

Apple voiced concerns about the use of zaps, claiming that content creators “may” use them to sell digital content. After discussing with Damus, Apple asserted that they reached an agreement on the conditions for allowing Damus’ zaps on the platform.

Damus is a decentralized social media platform that operates on the Nostr protocol. It’s particularly popular within Bitcoin communities due to its support for payments over the Lightning Network. The future impact on Damus’ popularity and usage following its removal from the App Store is still unclear.

As for Armstrong, his criticisms highlight the ongoing debates about the power that major tech companies like Apple wield over the app ecosystems they control, and the potential stifling effect this can have on innovation and competition. The controversy also underscores the challenges faced by cryptocurrency-related apps in navigating the policies of mainstream tech platforms.

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About The Author

Nik is an accomplished analyst and writer at Metaverse Post, specializing in delivering cutting-edge insights into the fast-paced world of technology, with a particular emphasis on AI/ML, XR, VR, on-chain analytics, and blockchain development. His articles engage and inform a diverse audience, helping them stay ahead of the technological curve. Possessing a Master's degree in Economics and Management, Nik has a solid grasp of the nuances of the business world and its intersection with emergent technologies.

Nik Asti