US State Congress Requests Information from Apple Regarding App Store Policies
In a formal letter addressed to Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, the US State Congress has raised concerns about Apple’s App Store policies and their impact on emerging technologies, specifically highlighting the case of Axie Infinity.
The letter, sent pursuant to Rules X and XI of the U.S. House of Representatives, aims to promote American technological leadership while ensuring that innovation and values are integrated into new technologies.
Axie Infinity, a popular blockchain-based game that utilizes nonfungible tokens (NFTs), has become a prime example in the Congress’s request for information.
The Congress expressed concerns that Apple’s policies may be hindering the growth and accessibility of blockchain-related apps and NFTs like Axie Infinity.
BREAKING NEWS:
— The Jiho.eth (@Jihoz_Axie) July 30, 2023
The United States Congress mentions @AxieInfinity and directly quotes us in a letter addressed to Tim Cook!
Axie mention is at the bottom of this screenshot from the letter 👇 pic.twitter.com/trKDOQXWVZ
The recent landmark ruling against Apple’s 30% tax on NFT transactions by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit further underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of Apple’s App Store guidelines.
According to reports, Apple’s guidelines have compelled companies, including Axie Infinity, to release “lite” versions of their apps to comply with NFT-related policies.
This has limited the core mechanics of the game, potentially reducing its accessibility and reach to a broader audience.
The Congress seeks transparency from Apple to fully comprehend the potential limitations of App Store policies on innovation and American leadership in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
As the discussions continue, the outcome of Apple’s App Store policies and their potential impact on Axie Infinity, the NFT market, and the broader crypto industry remain subjects of considerable interest and concern.
The landmark ruling against Apple’s 30% tax on NFT transactions came as part of a re-evaluation of a lawsuit brought by Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite, against Apple in 2020.
While Apple won most of the claims in this lawsuit, the panel of judges upheld the initial judge’s conclusion that Apple had impeded competition in certain aspects.
This decision highlights the potential implications for the tech giant’s business practices moving forward.
