Indian e-payment and financial technology company Paytm has been hit by two mobile app bans as Google removed its native app from the search engine giant’s Android app store.
Paytm’s app was removed due to the inclusion of the fantasy cricket tournament comprising an online money betting facility that is considered against the policies of PlayStore.
In its blog post regarding the removal of the Paytm application, Google posted, “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.”
Paytm’s other app “Paytm First Games” has also been removed from the store as it also included the same fantasy cricket features of real money betting found on Paytm’s app.
Now, Android users are not able to download the app from the play store, although users who have the app on their device can continue to use the company’s wallet and other services.
Paytm tweeted that the app will be restored soon and also affirmed that people’s money is safe.
𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: We continue to work with Google to restore our Android app. We assure all our users that their balances & linked accounts are 100% safe.
Our services are fully functional on all existing apps and you can continue enjoying Paytm like before.https://t.co/Klb63HRr0V
Earlier on Friday, Google outlined that its gambling policy does not encourage software developers to make sports betting.
Paytm provides the feature for online betting through the recently announced Fantasy Cricket Tournament which Google confirmed as the reason for removing the application from the play store.
The Paytm iOS app can still be downloaded via the Apple App Store. And other Paytm apps such as Paytm Mall, Paytm Money, Paytm for Business will be accessible for the users in the Google Play store.
Paytm
Paytm is an Indian digital payment system and financial technology company, which offers online services like payment facilities, digital wallets, banking facilities and online shopping.
Paytm First Games is an all-in-one app built by Paytm for people who love sports, card games, tournaments, trivia and all entertainment in collaboration Alibaba Group-owned gaming company AGTech Holdings.
