Apple pulled Damus from the App Retailer yesterday, with the builders being knowledgeable that the Nostr app “consists of content material that’s unlawful in China.”
Apple had beforehand rejected the app from all its App Shops, and for a similar nonsensical cause …
Temporary Nostr explainer
Nostr is an open protocol that can be utilized to construct all kinds of companies, however the major software proper now could be the power to make use of it to successfully create your individual Twitter-like social media community.
Most social media networks are after all created and managed by tech corporations. You want an account, they usually get to resolve what can and can’t be posted. In addition they get to gather no matter knowledge they like.
Nostr is completely different, as a result of no one owns it or controls it. Anybody can successfully broadcast a message that’s relayed to both your mates or everybody, as you want. You will discover a extra detailed rationalization right here.
Damus app
Damus is an iPhone app that allows you to use Nostr, with a Twitter-like feel and appear.
Apple rejected the app a number of instances, making use of the app assessment pointers that might apply to a social networking service. In actuality, all Damus does is present entry to Nostr feeds, so it could be extra correct to contemplate it akin to an internet browser, with the builders having no management over, or duty for, the content material of these feeds.
Damus lastly made it into the App Retailer this week.
Apple pulled Damus in China
Apple has now pulled Damus from the App Retailer in China. Damus developer William Casarin posted a screengrab of the discover, which claimed it included unlawful content material.
We’re writing to inform you that your software, per demand from the CAC (Our on-line world Administration of China), will probably be faraway from the China App Retailer as a result of it consists of content material that’s unlawful in China, which isn’t in compliance with the App Retailer Assessment Tips:
Apps should adjust to all authorized necessities in any location the place you make them out there (should you’re unsure, test with a lawyer). We all know these items is sophisticated, however it’s your duty to know and ensure your app conforms with all native legal guidelines, not simply the rules under. And naturally, apps that solicit, promote, or encourage legal or clearly reckless conduct will probably be rejected.
In response to the CAC, your app violates the Provisions on the Safety Evaluation of Internetbased Info Companies with Attribute of Public Opinions or Able to Social Mobilization.
Casarin posted it with the only remark “Surprising,” and mentioned that he could be framing it.
9to5Mac’s Take
The declare that Damus – or any Nostr shopper – comprises unlawful content material is, after all, nonsense. The app doesn’t comprise any content material in any respect. It might be like banning Safari as a result of it may be used to entry the web sites of terrorist organizations.
However as Casarin’s tongue-in-cheek remark signifies, the transfer is solely unsurprising. The Chinese language authorities desires to have full management over the knowledge its residents get to see, and its concern right here is that Nostr is one thing that it can’t management, both immediately or by threatening the corporate that runs it – as a result of there isn’t a firm that runs it.
Apple is, as normal, caught within the center right here. Its dependence on China as each a producing base and its second-largest market signifies that it daren’t danger the federal government sanctions which may comply with if it selected to disregard any of the diktats it receives.
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