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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.

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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.

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One In Three Cypriots Open To Using Digital Euro

by News Editor

August 19, 2026

Around one in three Cypriots say they would use the digital euro in their daily lives, despite limited awareness of the new form of money, according to the first islandwide survey published by the Central Bank of Cyprus.

With the first issuance currently expected in 2029, the findings suggest that public education will be crucial, particularly among people who rely more heavily on cash or have less experience with digital tools.

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Awareness Remains Low

Some 61% of respondents say they have no knowledge of the digital euro, while just 1% consider themselves fully informed.

Awareness is higher among people under 65, those with tertiary education and employed respondents. Among those who have heard of the digital euro, awareness is also more common among men, higher-income and more highly educated people, as well as urban residents.

Social media is the leading source of information, cited by 49% of respondents, followed by television at 30%.

35% Would Use The Digital Euro

Despite the knowledge gap, 35% say they are willing to use the digital euro in their daily lives. This is particularly true among people under 45, employed respondents and those with higher education and incomes.

Among potential users, 41% would use it for purchases in physical shops, 40% for online shopping and 33% for person-to-person payments.

By comparison, 28% say they are somewhat or very unlikely to use the digital euro.

Privacy And Cash Are Main Concerns

The biggest concerns are the possibility of transactions being tracked and fears that cash could eventually be abolished, cited by 53% of respondents.

Another 38% are concerned about security, while 25% worry about managing their spending. Some 30% have significant concerns about the ease of using the digital euro.

For businesses, 9% say their willingness to accept digital euro payments would depend on factors such as cost, ease of implementation and demand, while 27% say they would not accept such payments.