Paytm is back on the Play Store hours after the app was taken down for violating policies on gambling. Earlier today, Google removed the Paytm app from the Play Store while other apps like Paytm for Business, Paytm mall, Paytm Money, and a few more were still available on the platform.

Update: And we’re back! 🥳

— Paytm (@Paytm) September 18, 2020

It is very surprising to know that the Google Playstore has removed Paytm all of sudden. If you search on PlayStore for Paytm app or One97 Communication Ltd (owner of Paytm), then you won’t find it (as on 18th September 2020). Other apps of Paytm like Paytm Money, Paytm for Business, Paytm Mall and other owned by this company are still available. The app, however, is still available on iOS, the play store run by Apple. The app could have been removed because of Paytm First Games, sources said. Paytm, in a statement shared on Twitter, said. Earlier on Friday, Google took down one of the most popular fintech applications in India, Paytm, from its Play Store. The app was put back by late in the evening, after Paytm ‘temporarily’ removed.

What did Paytm comment?

Commenting on the matter Paytm issued an official statement and said Google suspended the app as it violated Play Store policies on gambling. “We continue to work with Google to restore the app. We assure all our users that their balances and linked accounts are 100 per cent safe. Our services are fully functional on all existing apps and you can continue enjoying Paytm like before,” the company said.

Explained: Paytm goes from Play Store, how are you affected?

What is Google’s Play Store policy on gambling?

Google prohibits online casinos and other unregulated gambling apps on its play store. Even fantasy sports platforms like Dream 11 are kept out. The tech giant also reveals that an app that leads consumers to an external site that allows them to participate in paid tournaments to real money clearly violates Play Store policies.

In a blog post posted earlier on Friday, Google’s Suzanne Frey, Vice President, Product, Android Security and Privacy explains, “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.”

Frey notes, “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.”

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“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,” Frey further states.

Commenting on the matter, Akash Karmakar of Panag and Babu Law Offices, who represents various tech and app companies said, “While PayTM did not directly engage in, or promote sports betting or gambling, it did have links to third-party sites which did. The ease of using PayTM on these third-party apps may have been viewed by Google as the element which makes PayTM as supporting these sites. Google appears to have taken an ethical stand against apps that promote or even advertise unregulated gambling apps that facilitate sports betting. Since many other apps are also promoting betting and gambling websites through ads and pop-ups, if Google applies the same standard, I would expect more apps will get taken off the Play Store.”

It is very surprising to know that the Google Playstore has removed Paytm all of sudden. If you search on PlayStore for Paytm app or One97 Communication Ltd (owner of Paytm), then you won’t find it (as on 18th September 2020). Other apps of Paytm like Paytm Money, Paytm for Business, Paytm Mall and other owned by this company are still available. The app is also available on Apple Store. Here is the reason behind this big action taken.

The Reason Behind this Big Decision

The Google team have revealed that the Paytm app was continuously violating Google policy and rules. Even after getting notified with various allegations, they still were making various violation of policy. Actually, the Paytm app used to promote various online gambling and various fantasy sports app and will lure its customers for betting and earning cash through third-party websites. This is strictly against the policy of Google Playstore. In a statement, the PlayStore has made a statement:

“We never promote or induldge money in online gambling or redirect the user to websites”.

“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,” wrote Suzanne, Vice President of Google Play Store.

After getting removed from the Play Store, the Paytm made a statement on Twitter saying, “ Paytm Android app is temporarily unavailable on Google’s Play Store for 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”.

It have been stated by Google very clearly about prohibition of online casinos and other unregulated gambling apps such as fantasy sports like Dream 11, Paytm First Game. These apps would take consumers to an external website which allows them to participate in paid tournaments for real money, which also violates Play Store policies. It also requested to everyone, not to invest such money and amount on these fantasy sports.

What is a Fantasy Sports App?

Is Paytm Removed From Playstore Phone

As the name suggests, Fantasy means imagination, so as the sports played. Like Dream 11 (cricket), Rummy, Ludo, Esports on Paytm First, etc. In these apps, a player used to invest a little amount and play with other players all over the world. After winning, the amount is credited to Paytm Wallet.

But in Dream 11, a player have to gamble an amount to a Team or Player in Cricket, with a prediction. On correct prediction, the amount is credited to the player account. This was the main turn over, which resulted in removal of Paytm from the play store.Paytm Fantasy Sport games consist of highly engaging games, including arcade, fantasy games, and thrilling battleground games.

In fantasy games or sports, fans build their own imaginary teams based on points that the real-life players generate through their on-field performances. The fans win or lose is decided by the performance of their selected players and teams in real tournaments.

Is Paytm Removed From Playstore App

Will paytm be back in India on playstore?

Yes, you don’t need to worry about your money pending. As per the official announcement by the Paytm Official and tweets, it’s only removed due to violation of Google Playstore’s policy and will be back very soon. However, it’s suggested that you must not link your account with such online fantasy games and platforms, as they might hold the amount. Because there are continuous changes in policy. Therefore, you must read them carefully.