Google has taken off the Paytm app from the Play Store. Although the reason for the takedown remains unclear, Google has hinted at Paytm violating its gambling policies. Google is yet to give out formal statements on the same. Paytm says that the app will continue to function normally and only updates to the app will be halted temporarily. Currently, the Play Store only retains the Paytm for Business and Paytm Money apps from One97 Communications. Also Read - Google Play Store से हटा Paytm App, कुछ समय तक नहीं रहेगा उपलब्ध, जानें वजह
Reports suggest that Google had notified the developers for violating the guidelines and was in touch with the developers. It seems that the developers failed to respond, leading Google to remove the app from its Play Store. The ban is currently limited to the Play Store as Paytm is still available to download on the Apple App Store. Also Read - Paytm All-in-One Portable Android Smart POS device launched, introductory monthly rental is Rs 499
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Although Google hasn’t given out a formal statement, it has released an updated blog post for violation of gambling policies. Suzanne Frey, Vice President, Product, Android Security and Privacy, has detailed the updated policies for gambling apps. “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,” she states. Also Read - How To Use Paytm : पेटीएम को ऐसे करें यूज, दो क्लिक में करें पेमेंट और रुपये रिसीव
Paytm App has disappered from the Play Store
“We have these policies to protect users from potential harm. When an app violates these policies, we notify the developer of the violation and remove the app from Google Play until the developer brings the app into compliance. And in the case where there are repeated policy violations, we may take more serious action which may include terminating Google Play Developer accounts. Our policies are applied and enforced on all developers consistently,” she added.
Paytm has reached out to its customers and stakeholders with a tweet, assuring that the app will back online soon. Paytm money of customers will be safe and those who have it installed can continue to use it as intended. Updates to the app will only be halted temporarily.
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.
— Paytm (@Paytm) September 18, 2020
Paytm allows a lot of essential services apart from its wallet payment system. You can pay bills for electricity and telephone directly from the app. Additionally, the Mall offers an extension to shop online from a wide range of products.
Paytm not the only app banned by Google
Paytm isn’t the first app of significant importance banned by Google this year. That honor goes to Epic Games’ Fortnite. Epic introduced an in-game payment system that bypassed the Google Play system of payments. Google took down Fortnite form its Play Store and ever since then, it hasn’t restored it. However, Epic Games offers its Fortnite installer as a sideload option for interested players. Additionally, Samsung users can download it directly from the Galaxy Store.
