Google sends notices to Zomato, Swiggy for violating Play Store guidelines
US-based technology giant Google has sent notices to food delivery apps Zomato and Swiggy for allegedly violating Play Store guidelines.
It may be recalled that Google had removed Paytm from Play Store a few days ago claiming that the popular app violated the company’s guidelines.
The notice issued to Zomato and Swiggy is regarding the gamification techniques that are used by both platforms.
It has been mentioned that while Zomato has confirmed this and says that the notice is unfair, Swiggy has not yet issued any comment on this. However, the latter seems to have paused its gamification product inside the app.
“We are a small company and have already realigned our business strategy to comply with Google’s guidelines. We will be replacing Zomato Premier League with a more exciting program by this weekend,” said Zomato spokesperson to ET Tech.
On September 18, Google had removed the digital payments major Paytm app from its Play Store for allegedly violating its policy repeated. In a blog post, Suzanne Frey, Vice President, Product, Android Security, and Privacy said that Google does not allow online casinos or support any unregulated gambling apps that facilitate sports betting.
“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,” said Frey.
However, according to a media report, Paytm was restored on Google Play Store after a few hours. One of India`s most valuable startups, Paytm, which competes with Google Pay, earlier in September said that that revenue for the fiscal year ended on March 31 increased to Rs 3,629 crore with a 40 percent decline in losses.
