Google play removed my productivity tracking app for spying
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Google play removed my productivity tracking app for spying
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Re: Google play removed my productivity tracking app for spying
#2If it is clear that the app is running, then I disagree with google. Maybe they are concerned people will install it on other peoples phones?
That clearly isn't the apps purpose however.
Re: Google play removed my productivity tracking app for spying
#3I hate posts like this. The app has been removed from the Google play store, so now we have no way to look at the marketing materials and offer suggestions for how they might be changed or what the problem might be. Yes, app stores should be more responsive, but there's no point in wringing your hands saying 'what could be the problem' when you leave readers in the dark like this. At least paste in the original marketing copy or hunt down an archived screenshot of your store page or something.
Re: Google play removed my productivity tracking app for spying
#4>Hi,
We have reviewed your appeal and will not be reinstating your app. This decision is final and we will not be responding to any additional emails regarding this removal.
If your account is still in good standing and the nature of your app allows for republishing you may consider releasing a new, policy compliant version of your app to Google Play under a new package name. We are unable to comment further on the specific policy basis for this removal or provide guidance on bringing future versions of your app into policy compliance. Instead, please reference the REASON FOR REMOVAL in the initial notification email from Google Play.
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So you spend time investing in their platform, learning their outdated toolchain, make them money, and they can just shut you down for no reason. It's no wonder the vast majority of mobile apps are side-projects. Who in their right mind would quit their job and join this crap-shoot.
Re: Google play removed my productivity tracking app for spying
#5Among all the defenses posted in the article, there is no indication that the app presented a "a full-time persistent notification and icon that clearly identifies the app" as required by the "spyware and phishing" policy linked in the Google suspension email for apps that "track device user behavior".
So, that may be the reason.
Re: Google play removed my productivity tracking app for spying
#6I sympathize with you and I hope that HN/Google does too, but please, please, please include a description of the app that clearly describes how it is the converse of what Google says it is, if you want people to understand why it's different. As the second paragraph, if possible.
Re: Google play removed my productivity tracking app for spying
#7[deleted]
Re: Google play removed my productivity tracking app for spying
#8I hate posts like this. The app has been removed from the Google play store, so now we have no way to look at the marketing materials and offer suggestions for how they might be changed or what the problem might be. Yes, app stores should be more responsive, but there's no point in wringing your hands saying 'what could be the problem' when you leave readers in the dark like this. At least paste in the original marke…
I did manage to copy all the reviews and store description before it got taken down. Here it is: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SGy3goNVFC7zKWn0Rm10pOMb...
Re: Google play removed my productivity tracking app for spying
#9Add an indicator that the app is running, and add some language in the description that directly (not just indirectly) addresses the policy. Re-submit and build up a new reputation.
Yes, that sucks. The entire "we'll take 30% of your money but you can't talk to a real person and we won't tell you how we interpret your app in terms of our rules" is ludicrous. In the U.S. the market is supposed to bring forth more developer friendly app store ecosystems, but that isn't working so well.
Also, the "we'll terminate any other, unrelated accounts at or whim" smells of anti-trust violations, but nobody has yet had the case, money, and time to take them to task for it.
So, the two options are to conform like the minion to the system we all are, or find another line of business.
I recommend adding the persistent notification icon and starting over.
Re: Google play removed my productivity tracking app for spying
#10I hate posts like this. The app has been removed from the Google play store, so now we have no way to look at the marketing materials and offer suggestions for how they might be changed or what the problem might be. Yes, app stores should be more responsive, but there's no point in wringing your hands saying 'what could be the problem' when you leave readers in the dark like this. At least paste in the original marke…
My concern is where the pivot point is. Sure Google should remove if any APPs' idea is to spy people. However that made Google/APPLE too much power over developers or users. What if I want my dog has a smart phone spy mode: "on" so I can find him when he's lost?
If giant companies can control what you can publish today, they can control what layout you should have on your APPs next week, they can control what contents is allowed next month, then they can decide if you are allow to communicate before you even noticed.