NFT marketplace OpenSea sunsets Operator Filter
NFT marketplace OpenSea has announced that it will be removing its on-chain royalty enforcement tool, Operator Filter. The tool, which was introduced in November 2022, aimed to blacklist NFT marketplaces that did not adhere to royalty enforcement standards. However, OpenSea’s founder and CEO, Devin Finzer, stated that the tool’s effectiveness fell short of expectations. Starting from August 31, the Operator Filter will no longer block any marketplaces, but creator fees will still be enforced until February 29, 2024, for existing collections on non-Ethereum blockchains and those currently using the tool.
Key Points:
- The Operator Filter did not meet the expectations of its creators as the support from the NFT ecosystem was insufficient.
- Certain NFT marketplaces were able to bypass the filter by integrating Seaport Protocol.
- Creators expressed concerns about the Operator Filter limiting their control over where their collections were sold.
- OpenSea is redirecting its efforts towards enabling new use cases and promoting them more effectively.
- Mixed reactions have been seen in the NFT community, with some creators disappointed and others considering the move prudent.
OpenSea’s Shift in Approach
OpenSea’s decision to sunset the Operator Filter reflects a change in its approach to NFT market dynamics. The move aims to strike a balance between creator autonomy and the evolving landscape of NFT technology applications. While the decision may disappoint some in the NFT community, OpenSea is redirecting its efforts towards new use cases and fostering a more effective ecosystem for creators.