Paytm Returns To Google Play Store After Being Removed For A Few Hours

A few hours after taking down Paytm from Google Play Store for allegedly violating Google's policies on sports betting activities, the payment app was restored. The restoration came after the app removed the 'cashback' feature from a recently-launched game on the application.

In a blog post on Friday morning, Suzanne Frey, Vice President, Product, Android Security and Privacy at Google said that Google doesn't allow online casinos or support any unregulated gambling apps that facilitate sports betting adding that this includes apps that lead consumers to an external website that allows them to participate in paid tournaments to win real money or cash prizes.

"When an app violates these policies, we notify the developer of the violation and remove the app from Google Play until the developer brings the app into compliance. And in the case where there are repeated policy violations, we may take more serious action which may include terminating Google Play Developer accounts," the statement added.

The blog post does not mention Paytm, a PTI report citing Google's emailed response on the same said that "The app was blocked for violation of Play policies - a clarification of our policy was released earlier today ahead of the IPL tournament."

Users who had already downloaded the app could continue using the services.

Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma said the company has already removed the scratch cards which offered the cashbacks, complying with Google's concerns.

A Paytm spokesperson told PTI that the company had recently launched the 'Paytm Cricket League' on its consumer app for users to engage in their passion of cricket and get cashbacks.