Despite Paytm's Assurance, Panicked Users Ask If They Should Withdraw Balance; Hilarious 'Hera Pheri' Memes Take Over

Paytm Removed From Google Play Store: The company has assured users that their wallet balance is safe as 'Android app is temporarily unavailable'. Meanwhile, mixed reactions can be witnessed on Twitter.

Representative Image (Getty/Twitter)

New Delhi: Ever since Paytm's main app has been removed from Google Play Store on Friday, a sense of panic has gripped users.  Paytm got into a damage control mode and assured people that the "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".

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. — Paytm (@Paytm) September 18, 2020

While there are users who are simply asking for an official statement revealing the reason behind the removal.

Can you please let us know as why it was removed?

— CA Sumeet Kingrani (@SumeetRKingrani) September 18, 2020

There are those who are more anxious and asking if they should withdraw their balance on the wallet.

@Paytm removed from @GooglePlay in india. 😳

I have a lot of Paytm wallet balance, bank balance, FDs, gold investment etc. Should I withdraw everything? What about @PaytmMoney? Will our investments get affected?#Paytm #PaytmMoney @PaytmMoneyCare @Paytmcare — Logical Idiot (@logical_idiot_) September 18, 2020

@Paytmcare Is Paytm going to be banned as well. Is this the first sign(play store paytm ban). Should I withdraw balance in Paytm payments bank. I linked Paytm to several digital services. What happens to my savings if Paytm is banned!😥

— Santosh Kumar Bhuma (@santosh_bhuma) September 18, 2020

Meanwhile, as always, users have flooded Twitter with funny reactions sharing memes in their tweets. Here are some:

Me with 10 rupees #Paytm wallet balance pic.twitter.com/4FazvJ1d3f

— Deepash Shukla (@sab_mein_expert) September 18, 2020

Akshay Kumar launches Pay-PM app after #Paytm exits play store

😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/yyNredMsgf — Libtardu (@libtardu_) September 18, 2020

#Paytm has been removed from Playstore

Meanwhile G-Pay and Phone Pay CEO's....😂😅 pic.twitter.com/8NecFAjNeC — meme_wala07 (@Devil80005317) September 18, 2020

#Paytm get removed from playstore.

Me who just get Rs.10 cashback in paytm. pic.twitter.com/63MrDI93lB — S A W A N (@Theboysthing) September 18, 2020

#Paytm removed from PlayStore Me who has zero balance in Paytm Wallet...

😅😅😅😅 pic.twitter.com/f1qbF1i7v6 — Chetan Makwana 🇮🇳 (@Chetan_Mech) September 18, 2020

People having bank accounts and deposits in #Paytm will b like pic.twitter.com/5nfPqoOOl3

— Name Cannot be Blank (@memeinghimanshu) September 18, 2020

Google pulls #Paytm app from Play Store for repeat policy violations.

Paytm rn : pic.twitter.com/FT2wZIAe4f — Heisenberg (@methmemer) September 18, 2020

The reported reason so far is Google's new policy guidelines that have banned apps that fall under the categories of stalkerware, misrepresentation and gambling. The companies in question will get a grace period of a minimum 15 days from September 16 to comply with the changes. In a blog today, Google’s Suzanne Frey, Vice President, Product, Android Security and Privacy stated, “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.” “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,” the blog read. An official clarification and a statement citing specific reasons are being awaited. WATCH | SBI initiates OTP-validated ATM transaction for 24 hours