In the space of a few days Google removed two ‘popular’ anti-China apps from the PlayStore. The two apps in question — Mitron (a desi TikTok rival) and Remove China apps — from the PlayStore for violating certain guidelines. Now, Google has given an official explanation in a blog, where it doesn’t name the two apps but it’s quite clear that the company is referencing to the two recent apps. Here’s what you should know about why Google removed the two apps and what the apps were all about:
The first app that Google removed was Mitron
Mitron reportedly had a ‘Pakistan’ connection and was pitched as a desi TikTok rival. It was reported that the source code of the app was bought from a Pakistan-based developer company.
Google said that Mitron was removed because of a “number of technical violations”
Google clarified that they are working with the app developers to help them fix issues in the app
Google also gave a hint that Mitron may make a ‘comeback’
In the blog post, Google said that it has given the developer some guidance and “once they’ve addressed the issue the app can go back up on Play.”
The second app Google had removed was “Remove China apps”
The app became popular because of anti-China sentiment but was removed by Google.
Google said that — without taking names — that it suspended number of apps for violating policy guidelines
Google doesn’t keep apps that encourages users to remove third-party apps
In the blog post, Google said it doesn’t allow any app that “encourages or incentivizes users into removing or disabling third-party apps or modifying device settings or features unless it is part of a verifiable security service”.
Google said that its aim is to ensure “a healthy, competitive environment where developers can succeed based upon design and innovation.
Google said that such apps are “not in the best interest of our community of developers and consumers
