PayTM's flagship app has been restored after being suspended from the Google Play Store for violating Google's gambling policy. PayTM's founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma confirmed that the removal was due to a UPI cashback campaign that they launched earlier today. He has attached screenshots of the campaign run by them.
"India, you decide if giving cashback is gambling", his tweet remarks.
Paytm's flagship application had been removed from Google Play Store, the company confirmed. Paytm confirmed its removal on Twitter but reassured its customers that those with the app could use it normally, and that the money in their Wallet and accounts are safe.
The removal of the app has come on a day when Google has released its updated Play Store gambling policy through a blog by Suzanna Frey, the Product Vice President for Android Security and Privacy, where it states,
"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".
Further, it states that it notifies the developer before taking action and will remove the app until the developer brings it into compliance. On repeated violations, Google could terminate the developer's account.
Paytm's flagship apps offers a basket of services, from recharges, payments, bookings, e-commerce to investments and payment banking services. Other apps by the same developer, such as PayTM Mall, PayTM Money and PayTM for Business are still live.
BOOM has reached out to a Google spokesperson for clarifications, and this story will be updated on hearing from them.