Google has taken down the Paytm app from Play Store... apparently for 'repeated policy violations'.
An official blog post that went live around the time the app was pulled hints at the reasons even though Paytm is not specifically mentioned.
neowin.net/news/google-ta…
Paytm is marketing Paytm Cricket League, announcing its foray into the world of fantasy sports.
Even 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 in violation of Play Store policies.
Very awkward for a fintech app to be branded shady. Dents not just the brand, but the ecosystem in general.
Not the first time for Paytm though.
Paym tries to calm everyone down.
.@vijayshekhar on ETNow says it's outrageous and calls Google the 'judge, jury, and the executioner'; says they'll fix because they don't have the time to approach the Courts right away.
Vehemently calls giving stickers for cashback a customer acquisition strategy, not gambling.
"It's Google-nirbhar Bharat, not atma-nirbhar Bharat." 😂
VSS points at the monopoly of the app store of the dominant operating system in the country.
Essentially, VSS will turn this into an opportunity to hit out at Google's monopoly.
- He calls it a risk to Startup India and Digital India
- Uses terms like 'fiefdom'
- Also calls it anti-competitive (hinting at Google Pay)
- "Google controls this country's digital ecosystem"
The anchor keeps prodding him asking if they'll take the legal route against Google.
VSS is non-committal and deflects.
Probably wants to insinuate the sentiment and let others join in.
Update: The Paytm app is back on the Play Store.
Google is not letting Paytm create a false narrative around the takedown.
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