[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Funny_Brawler:
We wish to share a cautionary tale about the perils of relying solely on Google’s Advertising platform and Play Store for your revenue. Our not-for-profit organization has faced a devastating blow that could happen to anyone in a similar situation.

For five years, we poured our efforts into App and Game Development, garnering a substantial user base of over 2 million Total App/Game Installs and building a good rating and ranking. However, on July 25, 2023, at 15:30, our world was turned upside down when we received an unexpected email from Google, stating that our beloved App, PIP Camera Photo Editor, had been suspended due to a supposed “Malware Policy” violation. Shockingly, within minutes, we received another email announcing the termination of our entire account.

Google Response After 1st Appeal

Total Account Application Installs and Account Info

Application Details

We were left stunned and tense, as this was the first time we came across the Malware Policy. We diligently read through the policy articles to understand where our app could have violated it. The app in question had been live since 2019, with no active users and a mere 5000+ lifetime downloads. We couldn’t comprehend how our seemingly harmless, long-abandoned app could be linked to malware.

Frustratingly, our attempts to communicate with Google only led to automated or canned responses, leaving us feeling snuffed out by an uncaring machine. Our livelihood relied on AdMob (advertising) and Premium subscriptions, and the sudden termination of our account wiped out seven years’ worth of Play Store ratings and Premium subscriptions. This has dealt a severe blow to our community, and starting anew may prove insurmountable, considering our pre-existing financial struggles.

After Each and every reply From Support Team

Google failed to provide a human explanation for our account termination, only citing the vague reason of a single app violating the Malware Policy. We diligently examined our code and libraries but found no traces of malicious intent. Appeals were made, seeking clarification and an opportunity to rectify any unintended policy violations, but Google Play support continued to respond with unhelpful automated messages.

As a last resort, we are sharing our timeline and conversation with Google in the hope that you, the community, will rally behind us. Our games were also tested by reputable studios like Voodoo, Kwalee, CrazyLabs Studio, among others, affirming that our work adhered to policies and was not a copycat or policy-violating product.

We urge you not to rely solely on Google Play or AdMob/AdSense for your income. The lack of meaningful human engagement in resolving disputes and allegations on Google’s part is disheartening and demonstrates the need for accountability and empathy.

Our apps and games are thriving on the App Store without any issues, affirming our innocence and the need for reinstatement on the Play Store.

We implore you, good people, to like, share, and comment on this story, in the hope that Google will recognize the human consequences of its actions and reinstate our app and developer account.

Thank you in advance for your invaluable support.