Google Play Store carried out a major cleanup operation throughout 2024, tightening its strict rules for apps and developers. A total of 1 million apps were removed from the store during the year. In this process, some independent developers were banned for life for the slightest mistake, while certain large companies were not subjected to the same sanctions.
Popular Apps Also Deleted
Recently, MIUI Downloader, Gcam Community and the popular apps listed below have been among the most notable apps removed from the Play Store:
- Charge Watt Meter
- Downloader for Gcam
- OneUI Enhancer
- Permission Manager App
- Tofy: Calm and Relax
- Low Battery Alarm: Advanced
- ForceStop: Kill Running Apps
- Digital Wallet Pass App
- Control Center 7: Like OneUI 7
- Game Booster FPS Drop Fixer
- Audio Forge
- VPN Super Cat: Unlimited VPN
These apps had reached millions of downloads and appealed to a large user base. However, Google removed these apps from the store without any clear explanation. Developer teams argue that they have over 20 million downloads in total and that the decision was taken unfairly.
Tough Times for Independent Developers
Google’s strict policies undermine independent developers’ trust in the Play Store. While small-scale developers face complete closure of their accounts when they make the slightest mistake, the fact that large companies are not subjected to the same sanctions creates a great injustice in the industry.
FIX THE GOOGLE PLAY!
Play Store is not Google monetization mechanism, you have to provide a fair platform for the Android ecosystem. Some developers violate the policies and nothing happens, but a normal developer gets banned for life for the any mistake. New policies we demand👇 pic.twitter.com/nvW4SkTVHv— Burak Mete Erdoğan (@bmerdogn) January 12, 2025
According to experts, such harsh sanctions may also affect the future of the Google Play Store. Developers may start turning to alternative app stores and move away from the Google ecosystem.
For example, if you write incorrect information in the Play Store description, you will not be given the opportunity to correct it and you will be banned as a developer for life. Developers demand a fair and transparent process. In particular, the lack of a clear explanation as to why certain apps are being removed has created a huge debate in the tech community. It remains to be seen whether Google will announce a new policy in the coming days. Independent developers want the Play Store to adopt a more fair and transparent management approach.
Some Developers are Favored
Google Play Store’s app removal policies lead to a huge inequality among developers. While some developers are banned for life for the slightest infraction, some big companies are not sanctioned at all despite repeated violations of the same rules. This is especially disappointing for independent developers and calls into question the credibility of the Play Store. There is intense criticism that Google should make its policies transparent and treat all developers equally.
Here’s another violation. But Google doesn’t touch some companies at all. If I did it, I would be banned for life pic.twitter.com/LxLuIbO2fL
— Burak Mete Erdoğan (@bmerdogn) January 12, 2025
Solution Suggestions from Developers
Independent developers are proposing various solutions to make the Play Store a fairer and more transparent platform. Here are some prominent recommendations:
1- Lifetime bans should be disabled
The developers advocate for permanent bans only for willful and repeated violations. In other cases, bans should be limited to a maximum of one year.
2- Equality must be ensured
If an app is removed for an infringement, it should be checked to see if other apps have the same infringement. The rules should apply equally to all developers.
3- Content should not be removed for solvable problems
Apps should not be completely removed due to technical or content issues that do not jeopardize user safety and that the developer can fix within 24 hours
4- Allow Time Before Deleting an App or Account
The Play Store must allow at least a three-day warning period before deleting any app or developer account. During this period, the app may be temporarily removed from discover and search results, but direct links must remain active.
5- Increase Transparency
Google should clearly and in detail explain every enforcement decision it takes and the reasons for it. If it really claims to be a fair platform, it should make all its decisions clearly transparent.
HyperOS Downloader
Easily check if your phone is eligible for HyperOS 2.0 update!
