Yes, you heard it right but the Chinese app ban is not the reason. After going through several Chinese app bans in India this is the very first thing that comes to our mind. Yes, the Paytm app has been removed from Google Play Store but for repeated policy violations that Google says. According to Google, it has been pulled because it has been violating its gambling policies. Paytm is one of the most trusted and used financial services apps in India and today it was mysteriously removed from the Play Store in the country and it now shows an error.
The Google Play listing showing error for the Paytm app now reads, “We’re sorry, the requested URL was not found on this server.” According to the company, the removal has been imposed on the app because Google Play Store prohibits online casinos and other unregulated gambling apps that aid sports betting in India. In its blog post, Google says, “We don’t allow online casinos or support any unregulated gambling apps that facilitate sports betting. This includes if an app leads consumers to an external website that allows them to participate in paid tournaments to win real money or cash prizes, it is a violation of our policies.”
According to Google when an app violates these policies it notifies the developer of the violation and removes the app from Google Play until the developer brings the app into compliance. In a similar way Paytm was apparently removed from Play Store because of its latest cricket tournament that violates Google Play policies, the search giant confirmed. However, it is still being accessible for iOS users as it is available via Apple Play Store and Android users are unable to download the app but existing users can continue using the app.
While the consumers fret over being unable to download the app Paytm took to Twitter to inform the users that its services will be restored shortly. The Tweet reads, “Dear Paytm’ers, Paytm Android app is temporarily unavailable on Google’s Play Store for new downloads or updates. It will be back very soon. All your money is completely safe, and you can continue to enjoy your Paytm app as normal.”
Though Paytm’s grounds of app unavailability on Play Store is unsatisfactory because the removal happened after Google published a blog post highlighting its gambling policies earlier on Friday. This confirms that Google has apparently removed Paytm from the Play store for violating its policies and was found to be facilitating sports betting as Paytm has just announced a fantasy cricket tournament on its platform.
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