How one word can get your app removed permanently! Here's a story everyone should read!

Our new Spaces app ( http://spaces-app.com ) got removed from @GooglePlay today.

We wanted to update store description to reflect growing use of Spaces by Schools & teams in times of Covid

For example, Schools are using Spaces to create a Space per class and share videos, homework, worksheets, etc., with students.

To highlight this use, we added the following (see image) to the store description as a genuine way to help users understand use of Spaces:

Today morning (after 3 days), we get a direct email about removal from Play Store.

No warning, no communication letting us know about any issue, no chance to update & re-submit the description, nothing!

Direct REMOVAL! That's IT.. the app is GONE!!!

And there seems to be no way to re-instate the app! They ask you to submit "a new package name and a new app name."!

The "new package name" is ridiculous! The package name is "identity" of the app. This means, users with existing app cannot update their apps. It's a "new" app!

So one use of "Covid19" word, genuinely and unknowingly, has caused Spaces app to be completely removed from the @GooglePlay store!!!

If this is not dictatorship, then what is? If these are not random, draconian laws, then what is? This is blatant abuse of power!

Now let's see what is wrong about all this:

1. As a developer, I was never made aware that "Covid19" term is not allowed in description.

2. When I submitted updated description, it could have simply warned me that I am using terms not allowed or requiring review

3. They could have just rejected the updated description.

4. They could have communicated with us and told us to avoid using these terms.

But NOTHING of that sort happened. App got REMOVED.. Not rejected, REMOVED completely!

This is a great example of how Internet is losing "freedom" & controlled by 3-4 big monopolies, who can abuse their power as per their wish.

Recently @heyhey , the new email service from @dhh got tangled with Apple's store policies as well.

Please re-tweet & share this thread to raise awareness about how @GooglePlay is treating it's developers. The very people who took @GooglePlay where it is today.

As for Spaces app, we do not know the next step yet. Many Schools & teams depend on it daily. For now we have added direct APK download option on the downloads page: https://intouchapp.com/apps/spaces 

But the install experience is poor and there are no updates.

Many students, teachers & professionals are downloading Spaces app daily. This ban is going to cause a lot of problems to them as well as our image.

Any help in this regard is highly appreciated! My DMs are open. Thanks!

PS: We have already filed an appeal with @GooglePlay