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Google bans Podcast Addict app over non-approved Covid-19 content

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Re: Google bans Podcast Addict app over non-approved Covid-19 content

#51

Post by matsemann »

Steko wrote: post #25
dannyw wrote: post #6

> In order to get the app restored, Google is asking Guillemane to remove references to COVID-19 and keywords related to COVID-19 from the app. So is this a metadata issue, or a content issue?

Why does a general use podcast app have covid in its search keywords? Scumbag marketing tactic; kudos to google if that’s all this is over.

Did it? Looking at the Google cache of the Play Store page, the only references I can find to covid, virus or similar terms are reviews saying they downloaded it because of the lockdown and are happy with it.

Edit: Here's how the page looked the day before takedown, no hints here at least of them doing anything like that: http://web.archive.org/web/20200515172150/https://play.googl...

And even if they were, couldn't a general app say something along "listen to your favorite sports podcasts, ted talks or get the latest news about X"?

Re: Google bans Podcast Addict app over non-approved Covid-19 content

#52

Post by switch007 »

bbarn wrote: post #13

COVID-19 is the terrorism of this generation. It's the anything goes, doesn't matter how fair, as long as it's because COVID.

I agree.

It’s badly affected air travel and who knows what changes will result (or what contracts for pointless bio-security theatre have been made)

In the UK, a 300+ page law was basically pre-written and enacted very quickly, reminiscent of the early anti terrorism law.

We have set up a bio security unit, currently headed by the security services.

UK has a “threat level” system for coronavirus similar to the terror threat level.

The government talk about it in threatening terms such as it being everywhere and it not going away.

If you are against measures you can easily be accused of wanting old people to die.

The UK was absolutely petrified of it at the beginning shown by the very successful self policed lockdown.

Definitely some similarities

Re: Google bans Podcast Addict app over non-approved Covid-19 content

#54

Post by ImprobableTruth »

numpad0 wrote: post #32
square_usual wrote: post #11

This is like Google banning the YouTube app from the play store for having videos about covid that aren't from government sources. Insane stuff.

I see your intent is an analogy but that’s exactly what they did in Jan-Mar timeframe. They suspended people for acknowledging the virus’ existence. Just CCP style.

Are you sure? I thought they were just demonetizing them (which is still bad, but less bad)

Re: Google bans Podcast Addict app over non-approved Covid-19 content

#55

Post by Crosseye_Jack »

bnjms wrote: post #44
Crosseye_Jack wrote: post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> asking a web browser app to remove references to all the websites and social media posts Except usually a web browser doesn't include a index of sites, You go to a another site (Google/Bing) for that. If a browser does include "recommended sites" the landing pages of those sites best keep to Google's and Apples rules. For an extreme example, If Firefox was promoting PornHub on the new tab page we could understand w…

So it’s like Google banning a Bing, DDG, or (...) Google search app app for Indexing sites that do not follow approved guidelines. OP’s point stands without modification.

But a search app isn't directly a web browser (Though browsing many be a secondary function). But many adult content search apps have been removed from app stores.

Re: Google bans Podcast Addict app over non-approved Covid-19 content

#56

Post by gwright »

raverbashing wrote: post #38

> to remove references to COVID-19 and keywords related to COVID-19 from the app Wait. Is this from the app apk or from dynamic content displayed on the app? If it's the former, it's fair enough, if it's from the latter it's just another SNAFU by Google.

Their automated system/review process is broken with respect to apps that render user generated content.

I've had several requests from Google over the last couple of years to make changes to my app to remove user generated content that is being rendered in the app. Sigh.

Re: Google bans Podcast Addict app over non-approved Covid-19 content

#57

Post by enos_feedler »

mav3rick wrote: post #43
enos_feedler wrote: post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This actually feels like an intentional move by Google to NOT get split up. Don’t worry government, we got your back! We’ll ban things that aren’t approved by you!

Yes Google wants to do this via a Podcast app. The lengths people here go to to rationalize their bias is shocking. Have fun in your bubble.

No they are doing this via Section 8.3 of the Developer Distribution Agreement. Sadly the Podcast app is collateral damage.

Re: Google bans Podcast Addict app over non-approved Covid-19 content

#58

Post by huffmsa »

Crosseye_Jack wrote: post #55
bnjms wrote: post #44

Earlier quoted context omitted.

So it’s like Google banning a Bing, DDG, or (...) Google search app app for Indexing sites that do not follow approved guidelines. OP’s point stands without modification.

But a search app isn't directly a web browser (Though browsing many be a secondary function). But many adult content search apps have been removed from app stores.

With the Advent of the omnibar, they are necessarily search engines

Re: Google bans Podcast Addict app over non-approved Covid-19 content

#59

Post by not_a_moth »

Wow, rather Orwellian. The referenced authorities aren't even in agreement on a lot of basics about covid, and had given false information on key aspects earlier. We can also rightfully draw some conclusions about covid, e.g. looking at data, without needing to be an official authority. Google has smart people, so this makes it all the more distressing.
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