Apple Blocks Twitter Alternative Damus in China App Store
Damus, a Twitter alternative launched by Jack Dorsey in April 2021 and backed by the Bitcoin Lightning Network, has been banned from Apple‘s China App Store. According to a tweet from Damus, Apple received a notification from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) stating that the app was deemed to “include content that is illegal in China” because it is an “Information Services with Attribute of Public Opinions or Capable of Social Mobilization.” This news has sparked debates around the world about the implications of tech giants censoring applications in China, and how it affects the future of the internet in the country.
‘Damus App’s Fight for Censorship-Resistance
Damus is a revolutionary app that is built on top of the decentralized social network Nostr, which is backed by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. The app has faced challenges from Apple in getting listed on the App Store due to its decentralized nature, as Apple requires apps to have a moderation system for content. Despite the challenges, the app has overcome the obstacles and is now available for users to enjoy a censorship–resistant platform. With the backing of Jack Dorsey and the commitment to freedom of speech, Damus is poised to be the next big thing in the decentralized social network world.
Understanding China’s Internet Content Provider Licensing Requirements
As businesses look to expand their online presence in China, there are a few essential requirements to consider. The Chinese government requires businesses to obtain an Internet Content Provider (ICP) license in order to be listed in online marketplaces or accessible by users within the country. This ICP license has specific guidelines that must be adhered to, such as prohibiting content that goes against the principles of the Chinese Constitution, damages the nation‘s honor, or spreads rumors. Additionally, the support for the Bitcoin Lightning Network is a further reason why Chinese authorities do not look kindly upon this project, as crypto is banned in the country. Understanding the ICP licensing requirements is vital for any business looking to operate within the Chinese market.
China’s Great Firewall and Its Impact on Social Media
The country of China has implemented various regulations, such as requiring Internet Content Providers to maintain real–name information and IP addresses of those posting and producing content, while providing them to authorities upon request. Furthermore, foreign investments in internet news information service are completely banned. Despite these measures, hundreds of thousands of Chinese citizens are still active on Western social media platforms due to the widespread access to Virtual Private Network (VPN) services. This begs the question, will any of these regulations have any effect on the usage of social media within the country? In order to accurately answer this question, it is important to examine the current regulations and their impact on the citizens of China.
Crypto Ban in China Has Little Impact
Despite China’s official banning of crypto, members of the crypto community based in the country have determined that the impact of this ban is minimal. This is due to the fact that many Chinese use VPNs and have their phone’s App Store set to the U.S. or Hong Kong marketplaces. Furthermore, the popularity of Damus, a crypto app, is based on the perception that an airdrop will come to early users who sign up a lot of new users via their referral code. Thus, while crypto is officially banned in China, it remains as popular as ever.
