• Damus, a Jack Dorsey-backed decentralized Twitter rival, was available in China’s Apple App Store for just two days before being taken down by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) for violating national speech rules.
• The open-source Nostr protocol provides the groundwork for a decentralized, censorship-resistant social network that can be accessed anywhere in the world thanks to the use of cryptographic key pairs.
• Dorsey is an outspoken supporter of the need for more censorship-proof social media channels and has funded a small team to develop a decentralized social media system.
Jack Dorsey’s Decentralized Twitter Rival ‘Damus’ Banned in China
The recently launched decentralized Twitter rival ‘Damus’ has been banned in China after only two days of availability in the Apple App Store. The app was taken down by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) for violating national speech rules and Apple promptly cooperated when asked to by authorities.
Decentralized Social Network on Open Source Protocol Nostr
The open source Nostr protocol provides a foundation for a decentralized, censorship resistant social network that uses cryptographic key pairs allowing users around the world access without restriction or fear of censorship. Built on top of this protocol are initiatives such as Damus – an alternative to Twitter, Anigma – an alternative to Telegram and Jester – a chess software.
Jack Dorsey’s Support For Censorship Free Platforms
Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey has long been publically vocal about his support for more censorship free platforms donating 14 BTC (approximately $327,000 at time of writing) towards development costs one year ago when he was still CEO at Twitter. He also pleaded with Elon Musk after Musk’s takeover of Twitter to move service onto an “open source protocol funded by a foundation” according to documents released last September.
Implications Of Ban On Damus In China
The ban on Damus in China highlights just how difficult it is for projects like these that seek decentralization across borders and challenge existing power structures with their freedom from government control and corporate influence despite them going against local laws within specific regions or countries.
Conclusion
Despite the immediate setback faced with its ban in China, there is still hope for projects such as Damus that seek freedom from government control and corporate influence through decentralization as they continue trying to make their way into mainstream acceptance worldwide.