Google Removes Paytm From Playstore,then Restores It

Google on Friday restored the Paytm app on its Play store after removing it fora few hours for violating its policy on sports betting activities.

The app was back on the Google Play store on Friday evening after the Softbank-backed Paytm removed the ‘cashback feature from a recently launched game on the application. “Update: And we’re back: Paytm said in a tweet.

On Friday morning. Google removed the Paytm app which facilitates the use of wallet and payments bank services – from the Play store. However, users who had already downloaded the app could continue using these.

The app was blocked for violation of Play policies a clarification of our policy was released earlier today ahead of the IPL. tournament: Google said in an e-mailed response, adding that only the app available on Play store was impacted.

Google, in a blog post earlier on Friday, had said it does not allow apps facilitating sports betting and will remove such apps from the Playstore. These policies are in place to protect users from potential harm, it added.

“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 participates in paid tournaments to win red money or cash prizes, it is a violation of our policies,” the blog post said.

Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma said the company has already removed the scratch cards which offered the cashback, complying with Google’s concerns.

Stating that Google was not allowing it to acquire new customers by blocking Paytm promotion, Vijay Shekhar Sharma said India needs support for further growing the startup ecosystem.

“(Platforms like Google) are dominating platforms and with power comes responsibility. I believe that they should be responsible for this country’s growth and startup ecosystem…India’s ecosystem needs support. not stifling of innovation,” he told news channel CNBC-tv 18.

APaytmspokespersonsaid the company had recently launched the ‘Paytm Cricket League’ on its consumer app for users to engage in their passion for cricket and get cashback.

“The game allows users to get player stickers after each transaction. collect them and get Paytm Cashback. Cashback is legal in India and we strictly follow all rules and laws of the land.