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Dribbble’s Marketplace Pivot Sparks Industry Controversy

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
August 5, 2025

Overview Of A Strategic Shift

Dribbble, the renowned platform for digital designers, has recently banned dozens of artists—a move that underscores its determined pivot toward monetization through a marketplace model. Among those affected was Gleb Kuznetsov, an influential designer with a legacy spanning 15 years and an impressive body of work. His account, home to over 210 million follower engagements, was terminated after sharing his contact information with potential clients, an act now in breach of the platform’s new guidelines.

The Policy Change And Its Implications

In March 2025, Dribbble announced stricter policies through email and social media, mandating that designers refrain from sharing personal contact details until after a client has made a payment. Although positioned as a measure to safeguard designers from non-payment risks, critics say the policy primarily serves to secure a larger revenue share for the platform. Dribbble CEO Constantine Anastasakis confirmed that the rule was enforced consistently—a stance that has ignited significant backlash among the creative community.

A Community In Uproar

Longtime follower and contributor Gleb Kuznetsov expressed his frustration on social media, emphasizing that years of dedication and client engagement were abruptly nullified by a single violation. His outcry resonated widely with other users who now view the move as not only punitive but also detrimental to the supportive ecosystem that Dribbble once fostered. Designers argue that the new regulations serve primarily to ensure Dribbble’s financial goals are met, relegating community interests to secondary status.

From Controversy To Competition

In response to his suspension and growing community discontent, Kuznetsov is not retreating. Instead, he has taken proactive steps toward establishing a competitor platform aimed at empowering designers and integrating innovative AI capabilities. While investors have suggested that his new venture might even target Dribbble directly, Kuznetsov emphasizes that his priority is to provide a resource that truly serves the creative community. His vision includes leveraging AI not only for enhanced design inspiration and creation but also to redefine client relationships and revenue structures within the industry.

The Future Of Designer Platforms

Dribbble’s transition reflects broader trends in online marketplaces where monetization pressures risk alienating core user bases. As design professionals continue to seek platforms that offer more balanced value propositions, industry observers note that innovation and user trust will be decisive factors. Kuznetsov’s forthcoming platform, slated to launch its minimum viable product in a few months, represents a pivotal moment—one where marketplace dynamics might be redefined to better support creative professionals.

Conclusion

The current controversy highlights a fundamental tension between platform monetization and community support. As Dribbble presses ahead with its revenue-driven agenda, the creative sector watches closely, aware that the choices made today could reshape the landscape of digital design communications and commerce for years to come.

EU E-Commerce VAT Systems Generate €257.9 Million Revenue for Cyprus in 2024

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
August 11, 2025

Robust Revenue Growth Through Streamlined VAT Collection

Cyprus has demonstrated a significant fiscal boost in 2024 with €257.9 million generated from the European Union’s e-commerce VAT systems, according to Tax Commissioner Sotiris Markides. This impressive performance underscores the effectiveness of the One Stop Shop (OSS) and Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) frameworks in simplifying cross-border tax compliance.

Simplified Procedures for EU and Non-EU Businesses

The OSS system allows Cyprus-registered businesses to streamline VAT declaration and payment on sales to consumers in other EU countries. Companies simply register on the local OSS platform, apply the consumer’s VAT rate, aggregate their submissions quarterly or monthly, and remit a single consolidated payment. Subsequently, Cyprus allocates the appropriate share to each respective EU country. This efficient process extends to non-EU sellers as well, who can have their intra-EU distance sales managed under the Union Scheme.

Breakdown of VAT Revenue Streams

Last year’s declarations under the various schemes illustrate the system’s broad reach: €217.9 million was collected via the Union Scheme, €36.9 million through the Non-Union Scheme, and €3.1 million via the Import Scheme. While the Union Scheme caters to both EU and non-EU sellers engaging in distance sales, the Non-Union Scheme specifically accommodates non-EU firms delivering services to EU consumers. Furthermore, the Import Scheme targets goods valued at less than €150 that are imported from outside the EU.

Implications and Broader Impact

Implemented in July 2021 as an evolution from the more limited MOSS system, these reforms have not only consolidated tax collection through an expansive OSS but also integrated the IOSS for low-value imports. By designating certain online marketplaces as “deemed suppliers,” the new framework ensures that VAT collection is both efficient and equitable. Across the EU, these mechanisms have generated over €33 billion in VAT revenues in 2024, reflecting a successful effort to simplify tax compliance, reduce administrative burdens, and promote fair taxation across the bloc.

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