App removed from playstore for violating section 4.4 of the developer’s distribution agreement

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I recently sent an app to the playstore and it was working normally since last week. I got thousands of users, everything was wonderful, until today google, just like that, without me having done an update or anything, removed the app from the playstore (it was not suspended, it was removed). Reason? "Violation of Section 4.4 of the Developer Distribution Agreement"

The app works as follows:

  • User accesses the app with their instagram account
  • User follows people and gains followers

The app itself only uses the instagram api for login and nothing else. The follow part gets all server-side. Does anyone have any idea how to proceed? Tips at least what to do to resend the app?

Thank you

android license google-play

  • It’s a subtle but serious violation. Its user base is not yours, it’s Instagram. Your app was serving as a "camouflaged Instagram".

1 answer

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Play Store developer allocation agreement

According to Article 4.4:

The Developer undertakes not to participate in any activity with the Store, including the development or distribution of the Products, which interferes, disrupts, harms or wrap the undue access to devices, servers, networks or other properties or services of third party, including, among others, Android users, Google or any mobile network operator. You may not use customer information obtained through the Store to sell or distribute Products outside the Store.

Note the parts that are marked in bold.

What happened

You used an Instagram API and/or other servers that is considered third party, and this violates the agreement, as I understand it. Besides, maybe Instagram didn’t like your idea, but I can’t confirm it.

You can try contacting Android developers and see if they can hook you up with a Google Play Store manager via IRC and other contact media listed here: https://developer.android.com/support.html

  • Thank you for your reply, but it’s too late now... they’ve suspended my account... :(

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