Paytm is back hours after it was banned from Google Play for violating the platform’s rules for content. Paytm is now again listed on Google Play, the company tweeted. However, the Paytm First Games app has not been restored at the time of writing.
Earlier today, Paytm was removed from Google Play. The app was removed because of the addition of the fantasy cricket tournament that the company recently included, which violates Google Play policies, the search giant confirmed. The Paytm app for iOS is still available for download through Apple App Store. In addition to the Paytm app, Google Play has pulled the Paytm First Games app that also included the same fantasy cricket features with real money betting.
The Google Play listing of the Paytm app is showing an error that reads, “We’re sorry, the requested URL was not found on this server.” Users on Android devices are also not able to download the app from the preloaded Google Play. However, existing users who have the app already installed on their devices can continue to use the mobile wallet and other services provided by the company.
At the time Paytm posted a tweet to confirm that the app will be restored very shortly, and reassured users that their money is safe.
Alongside the Paytm app, Paytm First Games is also no longer available for download through Google Play.
Earlier on Friday, Google posted a blog post that highlighted its gambling policy that doesn’t allow app developers to facilitate sports betting. This was a feature that was provided by Paytm through the recently announced fantasy cricket tournament.
“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,” Google said in its blog post. It confirmed that this was the reason for removing the Paytm app.
Disclosure: Paytm’s parent company One97 is an investor in Gadgets 360.
Should the government explain why Chinese apps were banned? We discussed this on Orbital, our weekly technology podcast, which you can subscribe to via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or RSS, download the episode, or just hit the play button below.
