Ethereum Wallet MetaMask Temporarily Disappears from Apple's App Store
Summary:
On October 14, MetaMask, an Ethereum wallet with over 30 million users, briefly disappeared from Apple's App Store, causing speculation about its removal. The absence was not caused by a security issue, or any malicious activity, but likely due to Apple's service policy which does not allow unrelated background processes, such as cryptocurrency mining. This issue, resolved within hours, represents MetaMask's second encounter with big tech marketplaces' policies.
For some hours on October 14, Apple's App Store did not feature the Ethereum wallet, MetaMask, which gave rise to speculations about its possible removal. MetaMask, boasting a user base of over 30 million, is known for connecting to various Web3 decentralized applications (DApps). On the said date, it was reported that the MetaMask app was unavailable on the App Store and undownloadable from the MetaMask website for Apple users. A representative of MetaMask clarified that this issue did not stem from any security mishap or ill-intended activities. They reassured existing users that this was not a security threat that demanded any action on their part. Moreover, it wasn't linked to the functionality of the app. The disappearance of the app is presumably tied to Apple's service policies. Apple's marketplace rules prohibit apps from running "off-topic background processes" like cryptocurrency mining. The disappearance of MetaMask from the App Store was temporary, according to MetaMask. Their spokesperson assured that the app would be returning soon and recommended reporting any other bogus MetaMask apps on the App Store. This is not MetaMask's first run-in with the Big Tech marketplaces; the same happened in December 2019 when Google Play Store suspended them citing the alleged infringement of the company's financial services guidelines. Google referenced its policy against allowing cryptocurrency mining on mobile devices and instantly dismissed MetaMask's appeal for reversing the ban. The guidelines by Apple mandate that app developers share 30% of transaction profits. This revenue-sharing requirement from Apple has been a stumbling block for cryptocurrency firms, especially those desiring iOS users to have the ability to buy nonfungible tokens (NFT). Blockchain detectives, a magazine, highlighted that the collapse of Mt. Gox gave rise to Chainalysis.
Published At
10/14/2023 5:15:16 PM
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