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Popular search engine Google removed Paytm for a few hours from its Play Store on September 18, 2020 citing violations of Play Store gaming policies. Google stated that Paytm “contains content that does not comply with the gambling policy, as it offers games with loyalty points (for example, engagement or activity) that (1) are accumulated or accelerated by real money purchases that (2) can be redeemed for real items or prizes – world money value. ” This deletion occurred one day before the start of IPL 2020.
Google stated that its policies do not allow online casinos or any kind of unregulated gambling applications that facilitate sports betting. It claimed that it notifies the developer and removes an app when it violates Google’s policies. In cases of repeated violations of the policy, it also resorts to serious actions such as cancellation of the Google Play developer account of the applications. Google alleged that Paytm, through its general app and its gaming subsidiary Paytm First Games, is promoting “sports gambling”, thereby violating Indian gambling laws and Google policies.
Google also removed the fantasy sports app Dream11, as it allowed users to earn real money. Dream 11 is the title sponsor of this year’s IPL tournament.
Paytm, which is one of Google Pay’s biggest competitors in India’s digital payments space, claimed that it did not receive any prior warning from Google and also claimed that Google is crafting and implementing arbitrary policies that go beyond Indian laws.
Paytm explained that through its ‘Paytm Cricket League’ campaign users could collect cricket stickers and scratch cards to earn a UPI rebate. Paytm argued that a UPI refund cannot be called an ‘online casino’. Apply this offer on top-ups, utility payments, UPI money transfers, and adding money to Paytm wallets. When a certain amount of stickers is collected, users can earn a refund. In addition to this, Paytm also alleged that Google is already running similar campaigns in India through its ‘Tez Shots’ game. Paytm highlighted Google’s double standards, as it was allowed to promote its campaign on YouTube, but not on Paytm. He claimed that he is being “targeted” and “targeted” by Google.
Paytm stated that Google had written to him 3 times regarding some concerns related to a separate matter of promoting Paytm First Games through the Paytm app. Paytm clarified that it did not agree with the accusation that its applications violate Google policy and that it also complied with the dictation that prohibited it from promoting its gaming subsidiary.
This brings us to the burning question of whether foreign players like Google abuse their dominance and dictate terms, build barriers to entry, monopolize the commercial channel. Also, do we need our own search engines, digital distribution service to support Indian players, more particularly small Indian players in the tech market?
