Key points :
- Google removes Paytm from play store on alleged policy violations of gambling.
- Paytm assures its users that their money is safe and the app will be back through a tweet.
- The app is still accessible on the IOS app store and devices.
- Google issues this policy violation of gambling right before the commencement of IPL as it claims that Indian users are encouraged into sports betting through certain apps.
Popular Indian financial services app Paytm has been pulled down by Google for violating certain policies. Paytm is India’s most valuable startup and claims over 5 crore monthly active users which is in competition with Google Pay in India and now has disappeared from the Play Store in the country earlier Friday.
As per Google, Play Store proscribes online casinos and other unregulated gambling apps that facilitate sports betting in India. Paytm, which promotes fantasy sports service within its app, repeatedly violated Play Store’s policies. Along with this the Paytm firm received another blow as Paytm’s fantasy sports service Paytm First Games, which is also available as a seperate app, was also pulled from the Play Store.
The Google Play listing of the Paytm app is showing an error that reads,
“We’re sorry, the requested URL was not found on this server.”
Users on Android devices are also not able to access the app from the pre-installed Google Play. However, existing users who have the app already installed on their devices can continue to access the mobile wallet for their transactions and other services provided by the company.
Paytm posting a tweet said,
“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”.
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
Google posted a blog post that stressed on its gambling policy that inhibits app developers to facilitate sports betting. This was a feature that was provided by Paytm through the recently announced fantasy cricket tournament.
“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,” Google said.
It confirmed that this was the reason for removing the Paytm app.
For the unversed, Paytm continues to be installable and accessible in the IOS devices.
The announcement of Google comes as a notice to app developers before the commencement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) which is a popular cricket tournament amongst the masses.
Former seasons of IPL, which lasted for nearly two months and attracted the gaze of hundreds of millions of Indians, have seen a surge in apps that look to endorse or participate in sports betting. As per Indian laws, Sports betting is illegal and the country has seen many cases of prominent people involved in the matter in the past.
However, fantasy sports where users select their favorite players and win if their preferred team or players play well is not unconstitutional in most Indian parts.
