Google has removed digital payments major Paytm's app from its Play Store for allegedly violating its gambling policies. The company acknowledged that it has been pulled out. It also sent out a tweet sharing, "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".
The company has assured that everyone's money is safe.
Google too has released a statement regarding the issue and said that it does not allow online casinos or support any unregulated gambling apps that facilitate sports betting. Furthermore, Google also mentioned that they had been notified of the issue and given time to comply.
Commenting on this issue, Suzanne Frey, Vice President, Product, Android Security and Privacy, said, "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.
In its blog post, Google also mentions, "Google Play is designed to provide a safe and secure experience for our consumers while also giving developers the platform and tools they need to build sustainable businesses. Our global policies have always been designed with that goal in mind, considering the good of all our stakeholders."
At the time of filing this story, the Paytm app and Paytm First Games were removed from Google Play Store while Paytm for Business, Paytm Mall and Paytm Money were still available.
Shedding more light on this issue, tech expert Abhishek Baxi said that even if the app leads consumers to an external website that allows them to participate in paid tournaments and win real money, it is violating Play Store policies.
In their own blogpost Paytm has mentioned that they are working with Google to restore operations. the blog post reads, "We continue to work with Google to restore the app. We assure all our users that their balances and linked accounts are 100 per cent safe. Our services are fully functional on all existing apps and you can continue enjoying Paytm like before.
Paytm is one of India’s most valued startup and claims to have 50 million monthly active users.
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