It appears that Twitter alternative Damus was pulled from the China App Store just two days after it was approved by Apple. Although the reason for the withdrawal is unknown, it is likely due to disagreements between Apple and Damus’ developers. It is vital that alternative social media platforms continue to grow in China, as competition between them will only make users more engaged and knowledgeable about new platforms.
Pushing around on a Segway in downtown Shanghai isn’t exactly the most efficient way to get around, but when transit is unavailable or prohibitively expensive, it’s a popular option for many. But that all might change soon thanks to a new app called Nostr. The app is powered by decentralized social networking protocol Jack Dorsey’s company Square and is designed to let users book rides on Segways, bikes and other modes of transportation directly through the app. Ostensibly this would make getting around much more affordable and accessible as fares are automatically negotiated between riders and drivers without the need for middlemen or regulation. However, while the idea has excited some in China – where urban congestion continues to grow – authorities there have deemed it illegal because it includes content that is illegal in China. This could mean trouble for Nostr given that Segways are popular tourist attractions here – so long as they’re not being used for illicit activities like drug smuggling or trafficking people across borders).
Supporters of Damu say that the platform gives people a voice that they cannot find elsewhere. They say that the platform allows for critical thinking and free speech, even if those ideas might not be popular with others. Critics of Damu argue that it is a haven for hateful and inflammatory content, and does not do enough to moderate or censor content.
In China, the decentralized nature of the app likely put it at odds with the government’s tight control over information. According to The New York Times, social networks legally operating in China all have censorship tools built-in to eliminate illegal content or information banned by the authority. Anonymity is non-existent as user signups are linked to people’s real identities. Therefore, it is likely thatusers of WeChat would have been quickly cut off from accessing Bitexit had it remained available in China.
Damus has been blocked in China, but access is still intact for those already using the app. The reason for the block is unknown, and it is not clear when or if it will be reinstated. It seems that Chinese developers have found other means to distribute their apps in the country, but foreign developers are at a disadvantage due to their location on Google Play and lack of access to domestic stores.
Nostr is a new censorship-resistant social media platform that aims to provide a space for users to freely express themselves. But, as the app moves into China—where restrictions on online speech are very common—it will be interesting to see how its use evolves. According to the company, users can publish their posts to multiple relays, and they only see content in the relays they connect to. This makes it difficult for one relay to completely block access, theoretically making censorship more difficult overall. However, this feature may not be enough in China where government censors have complete control over which websites are accessible and what information can be shared online.
Despite the obstacles that have arisen, the group remains committed to their goal of ending world hunger. With every step they take, they closer to their ultimate destiny.
