After being pulled down from Google Play Store for allegedly violating its gambling policy, payments app Paytm is now back on the app store. The development was shared by Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma through a tweet.
Google had previously taken the Indian digital wallet platform and its sister app ¡®Paytm First Games¡¯ down from its Play Store. The tech major alleged that the app was facilitating sports betting on its platform, a practice that is banned in India.
Google¡¯s Suzanne Frey, Vice President, Product, Android Security and Privacy had said in a blog post, ¡°We don¡¯t allow online casinos or support any unregulated gambling apps that facilitate sports betting.¡±
In the meanwhile, Paytm tweeted, "Paytm Android app is?temporarily unavailable on Google's Play Store?for new 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."??
Within hours of its removal, which even raised questions regarding the app's links to China, Paytm has now found its way back to the app store. Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma announced the return of the app, mentioning a recently launched ¡°UPI CashBack campaign¡± to be the reason for the mishap.
Sharma tweeted saying,?¡°Thanks everyone for your support! Paytm App is back, live in Play Store.?We launched a UPI CashBack campaign this morning. Our app got suspended by Google for this."
Just as the IPL 2020 is about to begin, Vijay Shekhar Sharma further left users to decide whether UPI cashback offering inside the app was akin to gambling. He said, "India, you decide if giving cash back is gambling.¡±
Sharma was quick to mark the distinction between "gambling" and "cash back" in his tweet, responding to the reason cited by Google for removing the app from its Play Store.
Google must now have seen through it as it pulled the Paytm and Paytm First Games app back up on its app store.