In shocking news, Paytm has been removed from the Google Play Store. The app, owned by One97 Communications Ltd, has mysteriously disappeared from Google Play Store. However, the other apps including Paytm For Business, Paytm Money, Paytm Mall, and others are still available on Play Store.
However, payment app Paytm is available on the Apple App Store from where users can easily download it. Google has taken down the Paytm app because it allegedly violates its guidelines.
The Google Play Store listing of the Paytm app is currently showing an error that states, “We’re sorry, the requested URL was not found on this server.” This means a new user is no longer able to download the Paytm app. However, all existing users who have the app installed on their device can still use all services provided by the app.
Following the Paytm app being removed from Google Play Store, Paytm released a statement on Twitter and said, “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.”
“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.
Soon after the Paytm app was pulled down from the Google Play Store, Paytm released a statement on Twitter informing the users that the app will be restored very shortly, and reassured users that their money is safe.
Google has apparently removed the Paytm app for allegedly violating the company’s new rules around online gambling. A source within Google stated that the Google team that worked with developers informed Paytm to fix the issues with the app. However, Paytm made repeated violations of the Google policy, noted the source.
“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.
It has been reported that Google had informed the developers of Paytm about the removal and it continues to be in touch with Paytm to get the app back on Play Store.
