The removal of Paytm and Paytm First Games from the Google Play Store covers two interesting #techpolicy issues:
1. Platform Power: Google and Apple have an operating system duopoly. Remember that you can't upload an app store app on the Google Play Store. Thus
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They have the power of the default. It's also an app store duopoly. They leverage this duopoly to control entire ecosystems, and effectively control the app economy of a country. The TRAI Chairman @rssharma has spoken about "platform neutrality". Can they ban apps from
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their platform, without repercussions? Of course they can, as a pvt platform. They don't want to enable realmoney gaming & gambling? That's their prerogative. But there's a challenge when apps don't have any other significant options.
2. Realmoney gaming: This is where it
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becomes tricky. Games of skill are allowed, but games of chance are not. The popularity of the IPL has spawned realmoney gaming services, which position themselves as games of skill. Back in 2009, 6UP (IPL related), was banned medianama.com/2009/05/223-if…
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Are fantasy sports games actual games of skill? That is debatable. What isn't is the fact that when real money is involved, Google can take action. There have been several calls for allowing games of skill and gambling even.
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In fact, @ShashiTharoor even had a Pvt Members bill for regulation of online sports betting and gaming, called
"The Sports (Online Gaming and Prevention of Fraud) Bill, 2018"
medianama.com/2019/01/223-sh…
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This controversy over banning Paytm has brought both these key issues to the center stage. Watch this space.
And expect fireworks now.
Who's going to win this match: Paytm or Google?
Whoa!
FIFS, which has Dream11 founder has its chairperson, says that they complained to Google about Paytm.
Dream11 isn't on the Play store. Hasn't been. So this is Dream11 vs Paytm. Huge. Google isn't without support then.
Bring out the popcorn.
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Where is Google hypocritical? Fantasy games not allowed on the play store. But they can advertise on Google search. Cc @vijayshekhar
Top of the list is an app they banned today.
Google Pay still has scratch cards that you get when you spend money using the app. That's a game of chance.
How is that legal?
Aaaaaaaand Paytm is back up on the play store.
play.google.com/store/apps/det…
I don't see Paytm first games yet.
What I've understood after some chats:
1. Realmoney games are not allowed on play store despite games of skill being legal in India. That's not right.
2. IMP: Surrogate advertising for realmoney games is not allowed. If Paytm promotes Paytm first games, that's surrogate. Banned.
3. If Times group apps promote MPL, because it's an investor, banned.
4. If Times group apps promote Paytm first game, allowed. If Paytm promotes mpl, allowed.
Google's play story policies are a mess. They need to fix this.
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