Apple is Considering Removal of Ethereum Browser MetaMask From its App Store

Apple is considering the removal of Ethereum-based decentralized app (DApp) browser MetaMask, a crypto wallet application of Coinbase, from its app store. The notification follows similar decision by Google.

As per a Reddit post made on December 28, the US based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase threatened its users that with the intention of complying with Apple’s mobile App Store guideline, it may consider removing the DApp browser characteristics from its wallet app.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong expressed his disappointment over the removal of the app from the Apple store:

“Coinbase CEO here. This is really unfortunate to see. Apple seems to be eliminating usage of Dapps from the App Store. […] Presumably this would extend to other wallets as well (Trust, Argent, Metamask) it’s beyond Coinbase and IMO a very big threat to the ecosystem.”

Armstrong also pointed out that users who wish to use DApps on Apple’s mobile gadgets may have to avail permission from the company to permit and run such apps. He further stated:

“This is an important area of innovation in finance, and many developers and early adopters of this technology have millions of dollars’ worth of crypto tied up in these financial applications, which they will no longer be able to use on Apple mobile devices if this app store policy continues.”

As stated earlier, the development has happened soon after Google prohibited Ethereum wallet and DApp browser MetaMask from Google Play, the platform facilitating distribution of Android application.

The venture’s team pointed out that the motive for the app elimination is the guideline against mining through mobiles. Notably, the software being the subject of discussion did not support mobile mining.

Appeal made by MetaMask to reconsider the decision was also brushed away. Through a tweet, the firm stated as follows:

“The appeal rejection cited the same policy: No mining on @Android. We don’t.”

Omar Bham, one of the cryptocurrency influencers, proposed that the decision was made to safeguard the firm’s operations against likely decentralized contestants.

In a tweet dated December 28, Bham stated:

“Web3 is in direct competition with Google & Apple. We should expect continued censorship on MetaMask, Coinbase, & other dapp browsers.”

On December 23, cryptocurrency influencers pointed out that YouTube, video streaming site of Google, started removing crypto related content from the platform.

After prominent crypto enthusiasts in the domain started discussing about the issue, the platform clarified that it was done by mistake and started restoring content, but majority of crypto related content providers say that their video is yet to be reinstated.

Two days later, YouTube restored another portion of the removed content and clarified that there was error in review procedures.

A crypto influencer affirmed that his channel has received warning, while the content of several YouTuber’s have been terminated. Notably, several content creators have shifted to decentralized content sharing platforms after the issue came to limelight.