US lawmakers raise concerns over Apple's app store guidelines impact on crypto & NFTs
Of particular concern is Apple's stance on developing blockchain-based applications and the possible use of these guidelines to prioritise revenue over crypto-related apps.
Highlights
- Lawmakers express concern for Apple CEO Tim Cook
- The concern highlighted blockchain technology & NFTs
- Apple faces crypto-related concerns from lawmakers until 14 August, 2023
Two United States lawmakers, Congressman Gus Bilirakis of Florida and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky of Illinois, have jointly reached out to Apple CEO Tim Cook, expressing their concerns about the potential impact of Apple's App Store guidelines on the growth of emerging technologies like blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
The lawmakers are worried that these guidelines might block or hinder innovation and the country's technological leadership.
In their letter dated 28 July 2023, Bilirakis and Schakowsky posed a series of inquiries to Tim Cook, seeking detailed information and documents regarding the App Store's policies. Of particular concern is Apple's stance on developing blockchain-based applications and the possible use of these guidelines to prioritise revenue over crypto-related apps.
The letter highlighted a specific policy requiring blockchain projects to allocate 30 percent of their gas fees (blockchain transaction fees) to the App Store.
Support from crypto space figures
Prominent figures within the cryptocurrency industry have welcomed the lawmakers' inquiry. Notably, Coinbase's Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, and Kristin Smith, Chief Executive of the crypto advocacy group Blockchain Association, publicly praised Bilirakis and Schakowsky for initiating this inquiry. Their actions shed light on the potential implications of Apple's guidelines for tech innovation.
Deadline for response
Former App Store director Phillip Shoemaker, who was involved in drafting the initial guidelines, emphasised that the policies had been revised to position Apple as a gatekeeper to emerging technologies. Shoemaker noted that while the policies intentionally maintained a strict stance against crypto and NFTs, they were intentionally not clearly defined.
The senators ask Cook 21 questions, including the status of sideloading in a future iOS version, Apple's App Store admission standards, if Apple proactively checks apps, and how Apple responds to violations.
Furthermore, they asked if Apple intends to develop applications utilising blockchain or related technologies, and if leveraging the secure enclave for blockchain apps has been given any thought.
Additional inquiries include the App Store review procedure itself, appeals procedures, whether checks are made for foreign ownership, and the justifications for the 'App Review Fast Track' granted to Chinese tech giant Baidu.
The lawmakers have given Apple until 14 August 2023, to provide answers to their concerns about the crypto-related policies of the App Store.
