- U.S. Congress has asked Apple for clarity on how App Store guidelines impact blockchain and NFTs.
- Apple has rules and guidelines related to controversial topics like NFTs and blockchain.
- Lawmakers have accused Apple of using its market dominance to stifle innovation.
Lawmakers in the U.S. Congress have recently asked Apple for clarity on how App Store guidelines impact blockchain and NFTs. Apple has rules and guidelines related to controversial topics like NFTs and blockchain that have been called into question by a pair of Congress members. The letter sent to Apple CEO Tim Cook accuses Apple of using its market dominance to limit choice and stifle innovation.
The letter mentions how Apple has seemingly used App Store guidelines to “reduce the utility of apps in blockchains, NFTs, and other blockchain-related technology.” This includes the December 2022 accusation from Coinbase that Apple forced it to remove NFT transfers from the Coinbase Wallet app for iOS. To comply with NFT rules, companies have to roll out “lite” versions of their apps for the U.S. market. The letter also states that it is essential that Congress understands the App Store guidelines and how they limit innovation and American technology leadership.
The lawmakers have asked Tim Cook a list of 21 questions, such as the status of “sideloading” in a future iOS update, Apple’s App Store admittance policies, and if Apple plans to build apps using blockchain or similar technologies. Cook has been given until August 14 to respond to the letter’s questions. This is far from the first time that Apple has had to deal with the U.S. government’s lawmakers over cryptocurrency apps.
Overall, U.S. Congress is questioning Apple’s App Store guidelines with regards to blockchain and NFTs, and has asked Tim Cook to provide clarity on the matter.
