- Google has removed the Paytm app from the Play Store.
- It is one of the largest mobile payment platforms in India.
- Paytm says it will be back on the Play Store “very soon”.
Google accessed the Paytm app from the Play Store and cited violations of the guidelines. The mobile payments app can no longer be downloaded from the Google Play Store. However, if you already have it, it should work just fine.
Paytm is one of the most popular, if not largest, online payment and money transfer platforms in India. According to his data, the Paytm app has over 200 million active users, dwarfing the user base of competitors such as Google Pay and PhonePe. It’s also the most valued Indian startup with names like Softbank, Berkshire Hathaway, SAIF Partners and others backing it.
In a blog post published today, Google said it doesn’t allow online casinos or support unregulated gambling apps that make sports betting easier. “This also applies if an app takes consumers to an external website where they can take part in paid tournaments for real money or cash prizes. This is against our guidelines,” the company stated.
The reason for the removal of Paytm?
The Paytm app has repeatedly violated these guidelines, said sources familiar with the matter TechCrunch. The company appears to be promoting fantasy sports betting services for both the Paytm app and the Paytm First Games app, both of which have been removed from the Play Store.
Google warned in its blog post: “In the event of repeated policy violations, we have [Google] More serious action may be taken, including cancellation of Google Play Developer accounts. “
Paytm has since promised that its app will be back very soon. In one TweetThe company assured that “all your money is completely safe and you can continue to enjoy your Paytm app as usual.”
Google also reportedly asked Disney Plus Hotstar to display a warning before serving ads for fantasy sports apps.