The Jack Dorsey-backed Twitter alternative, Damus, has been taken down from Apple’s Chinese App Store after notification by China’s Cyberspace Administration (CAC). This app is believed to have the potential to influence public opinion or social mobilization and thus contains content that does not adhere to legal regulations in China. As such, it was removed from the store immediately.
There Are Many Reasons Why Damus Is Banned In China
Damus‘ decentralized framework makes it difficult to meet Apple’s global App Store standards as there is no content moderation, which the tech giant requires. This was highlighted in a tweet from Damus, revealing that several applications had been rejected based on their need for apps to identify and stop offensive messages or users. In China specifically, any online platform listed on an online marketplace must acquire an Internet Content Provider (ICP) license before being accessible by domestic users.
In this system, “opposing the fundamental principles of China‘s Constitution and damaging the country’s honor and interests,” as well as “publishing rumors, disrupting social order and undermining social stability,” is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, support for Bitcoin Lightning Network may also be one of many reasons Chinese authorities view Damus as disfavor since cryptocurrencies are not allowed within their borders.
Furthermore, China requires ICP licensees to store the real names and IP addresses of individuals who post or generate content for access by law enforcement upon demand. Additionally, foreign capital is prohibited from entering into Internet news information services in China.
It’s Like This Ban Won’t Change Much
Despite the oppressive presence of China‘s Great Firewall, many individuals living in this country are still able to access Western social media platforms – such as Twitter – through VPNs. A member of the crypto community-based in China informed CoinDesk that this ban won’t have a significant effect on users because they can simply switch their App Store settings to either Hong Kong or the US and keep using VPNs.
Contributing to the popularity of Damus is speculation that early adopters, particularly those who have used referral codes to bring in numerous new consumers, may be rewarded with an airdrop. Despite cryptocurrency being formally prohibited throughout China, the person asserted, “The Damus ban will not make much of an impact; cryptocurrencies are still common.”
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