Announcing its return on Twitter, the company said: “Update: And we’re back!”
Earlier in the day, Paytm app — which facilitates use of wallet and payments bank services — was removed from the Google Play store for violation of policy on sport betting activities.
However, users who already had the app downloaded on their phones were able to use its services.
Google had said: “The app was blocked for violation of play policies – a clarification of our policy was released earlier today ahead of the IPL tournament.”
In a blog post, Google had said it does not allow apps facilitating sports betting and will remove such apps from the Google Play store.
“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,” the blog post said.
These policies are in place to protect users from potential harm, it added.
“Google Play is designed to provide a safe and secure experience for our consumers while also giving developers the platform and tools they need to build sustainable businesses. Our global policies have always been designed with that goal in mind, considering the good of all our stakeholders,” Google said in a blogpost.
“We have the same goals for our gambling policy. 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,” it added. “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,” Suzanne Frey, vice-president, Product, Android Security and Privacy, wrote in the blog post.
In response, Paytm had assured its users about the safety of their money and said that it will resume services soon.
“Dear Paytm’ers (Paytm users), Paytm Android app is temporarily unavailable on Google’s Play Store for new downloads or updates. It will be back very soon,” the digital payments apps stated.
“All your money is completely safe, and you can continue to enjoy your Paytm app as normal,” Paytm further mentioned.
(With agency inputs)
