The NFT Conundrum: A Gnosis Safe Story

It seems the digital world can be as turbulent as an emotional rollercoaster hosted by a cat whose favorite toy just went missing. Recently, Lukas Schor, a product developer at Gnosis Safe, shared an intriguing saga: their app update got blocked because, brace yourselves, it displayed an NFT image. Who knew a piece of digital art could wield such power over software updates?

The Apple App Store and Its Digital Gatekeeping

While the app had been merrily showcasing the NFT for months without a hitch, Apple’s gates swung shut as soon as an update was submitted. According to Apple, the big bad wolf (i.e. their guidelines) didn’t specifically reference NFTs but had issues with apps allowing access to digital content purchased externally. You know, like telling someone they can’t bring their own hot sauce to a wing joint. Gotta keep it all in-house, right?

Communication Breakdown

In a classic game of telephone, Gnosis Safe and Apple exchanged emails that highlighted the confusion surrounding these digital collectibles. Apple’s response was crystal clear:

“If you choose not to implement in-app purchase, it would be appropriate to revise your app so that does not access previously purchased digital content.”

This was akin to telling a kid to play with an empty box instead of the awesome toy their parents bought. Some might call it restrictive, others might call it prudent. Who needs freedom in the Web3 space anyway?

The Fight for NFT Freedom

Schor made it obvious that moving away from NFTs isn’t on the table. He stated, “Permissionless access to Web3 is core to our values,” as if Web3 were a beloved family dog that they refuse to give up, even amid a neighborhood uproar. Gnosis intends to appeal the decision and, as they said, “go the extra mile” to ensure NFTs remain a part of their app.

Governance by App Store: The 30% Dilemma

Let’s not overlook the fact that Apple takes a hefty 30% cut on any in-app purchases. You can almost picture them as a literal gatekeeper—only letting you in if you’re willing to pay the toll. Gnosis doesn’t sell NFTs, so they aren’t exactly contributing to Apple’s piggy bank. Talk about a clash of values.

Legal Clouds on the Horizon

Meanwhile, in the realm of courtroom drama, a judge named Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers may have just thrown a wrench into Apple’s plans. Following the infamous Epic Games vs. Apple debacle, she nudged Apple to consider alternative payment methods, effective December 2021. If this goes through, it could mean a seismic shift for how apps operate and what happens to the gatekeeping on these app marketplaces.

Conclusion: The Future is Unwritten

As digital currencies and NFTs continue to gain traction, the tug-of-war between innovation and regulation is just warming up. It remains to be seen how companies like Gnosis Safe navigate the complexities of app submissions, digital content, and consumer freedom. Just remember, in the wilds of Web3, the fight for your favorite NFT could be as complex as a crossword puzzle in a foreign language.