Paytm Removed From Google Play Store Following New Policy Guidelines; Company Says 'Your Money Is Completely Safe'

Paytm Removed From Google Play: The reported reason so far is the company's new policy guidelines that have banned apps that fall under the categories of Stalkerware, Misrepresentation and gambling.

(Representative photo: Getty images)

New Delhi: Google has removed the Paytm app from its Play Store following the company's new policy guidelines which are going to come into effect properly from October 1.  Paytm's main app has been taken down, however, other apps like Paytm for Business, Paytm Money, and a few more are still present for Google Play. Acknowledging the issue, the company took to Twitter and wrote, "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".

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

The application is available for download on the Apple App Store. 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.” “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,” Frey added. “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