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Paytm removed from Google play store: Why and what would happen to the users?

By alagu, 18 September, 2020
India, Paytm, Google Play Store, Indian Premier League

In a sudden development, Google has removed one of India's most popular digital payments and mobile wallet platform Paytm from its play store on Friday under the grounds that the digital platform had violated Google's gambling policies. 

The search engine giant has said that Paytm will not be available for download now but there will be no impact on existing users who are using the application. In its statement, Google said that it doesn't allow online casinos or support any unregulated gambling apps that would have the grounds for sports betting. The development has come when Paytm's gaming arm Paytm First Games (PFG) has been preparing to launch the fantasy ahead of the current season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

Following the removal from the most used app store, Paytm said that the app will be back soon and the users can continue to enjoy the app as normal. The digital platform took to Twitter and 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".

Though Paytm doesn't directly offer the game, the app directs the users to its gaming arm PFG and is also offering several IPL related offers, and cashback. However, Google said that even if an application leads consumers to an external website that allows them to participate in paid tournaments to win real money or cash prizes, it amounts to a violation of its policies, and due to which Paytm was removed from the Play store. 

 Usually, India would see a rise in the fantasy gaming market ahead of the IPL seasons where the cricketing fans would be betting on their favorite players, creating fantasy teams as offered by several gaming apps in the country. Google however hadn't issued any clarification if the company had removed any other apps under the grounds of non-compliance to its policies. 

 

Google said that it would notify the developer of the app which violates the policies and such an app would be removed from the play store until the developer brings the app into compliance and the ambit of its policies. The company stated that in the case where there have been repeated policy violations, such applications would be terminated from the play store. 

The development has come a day ahead of the commencement of the current season of the IPL. The current season's IPL would be hosted by the United Arab Emirates and it would be starting from September 19. Recently, Paytm First Games has announced Sachin Tendulkar as the brand ambassador of the platform and also said that it has reserved Rs 300 crore to spend on marketing and promotions.

In April, Paytm First Games had announced that it had 5 million downloads during the lockdown and at that time, it said that it had half a million daily active users. Paytm further stated that, " We continue to work with Google to restore our Android app. We assure all our users that their balances & linked accounts are 100% safe. Our services are fully functional on all existing apps and you can continue enjoying Paytm like before."

 

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