In an unfolding narrative around Apple and its App Store guidelines, there’s a burgeoning anxiety – are these constraints curtailing blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs)? Two influential US Representatives, Gus Bilirakis and Jan Schakowsky, have penned concerns straight to the top, addressing Apple CEO Tim Cook directly.
They’ve noted inconsistencies in Apple’s modus operandi, an apparent push-and-pull narrative of ambition and restriction. Apple seem to push to profit from crypto-favourable applications, yet concurrently, curtail their capabilities by mandating compact “lite” versions. This engenders dual outcomes: a prolonged revenue stream for the tech giant and an unintentional stifling of the apps’ potential.
The case of Axie Infinity and its experience within the App Store was particularly highlighted, illustrating a twofold narrative of innovative progression alongside regulatory restriction. Apple advocates these limitations as strategic guardrails ensuring security. However, sceptics, including our US representatives, harbor growing unease about the prospect of the App Store being wielded as a weapon against competition, thus prolonging Apple’s tech monopoly.
One noteworthy example is the requirement for blockchain projects to relinquish 30% of gas fees to the App Store. Coinbase Wallet has, quite openly, declared adherence to this policy infeasible, alleging that Apple’s internal purchase system doesn’t sufficiently support cryptocurrency.
In a similar vein, Damus, a decentralized social networking app (backed by industry heavyweight Jack Dorsey) has found itself on the precipice of removal from the App Store. In this instance, it’s not the transaction model, but the application itself that Apple contends with, the brand’s tipping feature (allowing Bitcoin rewards through the Lightning Network) considered against guideline protocol. Protocol that states only transactions passing through Apple, (which invariably incurs a 30% deficit), are permitted.
As Big Tech’s control over discourse gets challenged, there’s a surge of interest in decentralized social media platforms. Lens Protocol, a product of Aave that exists as a Web3-based social graph, is well-timed and perfectly positioned to provide a balance and counter the monopoly narrative, promoting developer freedom while aligning with user demands.
In the midst of these complexities, clearer comprehension of the App Store guidelines remains a priority, as Congress scrutinizes them for potential hindrance of innovation. The overarching mandate? Ensuring that the pioneering spirit of tech isn’t sacrificed on the altar of monopolistic behaviours.
Source: Cryptonews
