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Paytm app back on Google Play Store after being pulled down briefly for policy violation

Last Updated 18 September 2020, 16:20 IST

The Paytm app is back on the Play Store after it was briefly removed by Google for alleged violation of its policy on sport betting activities.

"Update: And we're back!," Paytm, a popular digital payment mobile application, tweeted later on Friday.

Earlier in the day, Google said it removed digital payments company Paytm's main app and Paytm First Games from the Google Play Store for violation of its policy on sport betting activities.

"The app was blocked for violation of play policies - a clarification of our policy was released earlier today ahead of the IPL tournament," Google said.

However, Paytm has asked its users not to panic and that their money is "completely safe" even though the app has been pulled down from Google Play Store.

"Dear Paytm'ers, the 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," said Paytm on Twitter.

The company further said, "We recently launched the ‘Paytm Cricket League’ on our consumer app for users to engage in their passion for cricket and get cashback. The game allows users to get player stickers after each transaction, collect them and receive Paytm Cashback. Today afternoon, we received communication from Google that they are suspending our app because they believe this to be a violation of their Play Store policies on gambling. The Paytm Android app has thus been unlisted from Google’s Play Store and is temporarily unavailable to users for new downloads or updates."

"We continue to work with Google to restore the app. We assure all our users that their balances and linked accounts are 100% safe. Our services are fully functional on all existing apps and you can continue enjoying Paytm like before," Paytm said.

Paytm also said it removed the cashback component to adhere to the Google policy.

Google in a blog 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.

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(Published 18 September 2020, 14:09 IST)

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