Mitron app removed from Google Play, accused of content policy violation

Mitron App, which was described as the Indian version of TikTok, gained such immense popularity within no time that it has been downloaded more than 50 lakh times in a few days. But as quickly as this app became popular on Google Play, just as quickly the existence of this app has disappeared from the Google Play Store. Yes, Google Play Store has removed the Friends app. Actually, it was recently revealed that this app is a rebranded version of another app, which was created by a developer from Pakistan. According to the report, Google has removed it from its platform for violating ‘Spam and Minimum Functionality’ policy.

Google’s policy According to Google, copying content from another app without any original changes is a violation of Google’s rules. The policy reads (translated) “We do not allow apps that provide users with the same experience as apps that already exist on Google Play. Apps should provide a better experience to users through their unique content and services.”

It is noteworthy that as soon as questions started being raised about the origin of the Mitron app, it was revealed that this app was purchased from Pakistani software developing company Qboxus for $34 (approximately Rs 2,500). Irfan Sheikh, founder and CEO of Qboxus, told News18 that, (translated) “There is no problem with what the developer has done. They paid for the script and used it, which is fine. But, the problem is with those people who are calling it an Indian-made app, which is not completely true, because the developers have not made any changes in this app.”

In this episode of CNBC-TV18 Report It is said that Google has suspended the app by giving it a red flag and has said that this app is a violation of Google’s ‘spam and minimum functionality’ policy.

According to an old report by Gadgets 360, the Mitron app was surrounded by questions regarding security and privacy. The lead page of its developer website was blank and it had no privacy policy. Security analysts also found that this app can leave your account open, which can be taken over by anyone.