Apple Under Scrutiny, Representatives Inquire About Blockchain Policies

Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Jan Schakowsky wrote to Apple CEO Tim Cook to ask for clarity on the company’s policies regarding blockchain, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other distributed ledger technologies that are offered on the iOS App Store.

The reps raise issues with Apple’s walled garden regulations and their possible effects on the creation of apps employing cutting-edge technology like blockchain and NFTs in the letter. They fear that these regulations would hinder American businesses’ creativity in this quickly developing industry.

Allegations of Profits Over Innovation

Additionally, Bilirakis and Schakowsky express worry that Apple would put its own profits ahead of the usefulness and expansion of blockchain-related apps. They point to Apple’s enforcement of policies against Coinbase Wallet, in which the tech titan prevented NFT transactions in the iOS version of the app and demanded that blockchain fee payments go through its in-app purchase mechanism, so taking 30% of each transaction.

Impact on Popular Apps

The reps use the example of Axie Infinity, a well-known play-to-earn game that had to release a restricted version of their app for iOS, to further illustrate their argument. This version is still unavailable to consumers in the United States since it lacked essential NFT features. These situations draw attention to the possible restrictions put forward by Apple’s guidelines for apps utilizing blockchain and NFT technology.

To maintain fairness and foster innovation within the sector, Bilirakis and Schakowsky emphasize the significance of developing a thorough grasp of Apple’s App Store policies. They want to level the playing field so that American innovation can thrive in the rapidly developing world of blockchain and similar technologies.

Apple’s Tight Grip on Crypto

Apple’s stringent blockchain regulations, which were unveiled in October, forbid applications from utilizing their own methods, such as crypto and NFTs, to unlock content or functionality. Additionally, these apps’ NFT sales are only available through Apple’s in-app purchase system, which restricts the use of other payment methods.