Paytm removed from Google Play Store; Google says won�t allow gambling apps

18-Sep-2020

In a surprise move, Google on Friday pulled the Paytm app from Google Play store. Google has said that it won�t endorse any gambling app on its platform and has posted a blog that talks about Play gambling policies. We have reached out to Paytm for the story and will be updating once we hear from them. Google on Friday posted a blog titled �Understanding our Play gambling policies in India� where it highlighted the issues related to such apps that endorse or promote gambling in India. �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,� said Google in its blog. Highlighting the issue of online casinos available through the app, Google�s Suzanne Frey, Vice President, Product, Android Security and Privacy wrote, �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.� Further, Frey said, �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.�