Google blocked our payment profile for Riders App (<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whitescape.ride_allinone" rel="nofollow">https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whitescape...</a>).<p>After 2 months of providing all of the required docs and getting auto-declines, I've talked to their support and they just answered (quote):<p>"I have consulted our specialist about your account. Our specialist team has determined that this profile must stay suspended due to violations of our Terms of Service. We’re unable to discuss the specific circumstances of this or any suspensions.<p>Our Google Payments Terms of Service states that Google Payments Corp. reserves the right to change, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Services at any time, including availability of the Services, or any Service feature, without notice or liability."<p>The app has nearly 25k of positive ratings and currently one of the most popular apps for action sport participants.<p>I frankly don't have any idea what to do, that's super sad.
The owner of the app, Whitespace, is listed on Google as having their headquarters in St Petersburg. Could it be related to this: <a href="https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/11950272" rel="nofollow">https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answ...</a>? Google has suspended payments to Russia as a consequence of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the many sanctions results from that (like kicking many Russian banks from the international payment system).<p>Whitescape also lists a location in Estonia, which obviously isn't a problem, but if Google doesn't know about that (or thinks you're misleading them) then you might still be screwed.
If you're based in Europe, consider if there's any opportunity to avail yourself of this legislation - <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32019R1150" rel="nofollow">https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32...</a><p>Specifically, article 4 covers termination of service, and the rules around this. Most tech giants seem to be unaware of this regulation, as it's inconvenient for their "computer says no" model.
I read an another thread where there were questions about legitimacy of the app. And here we are: we have 25k+ positive ratings, the app is unique, it provides value for tens of thousands of active users.<p>The full disclosure is: we've closed our previous bank account to open a new one. Google tried to send a payment to our previous bank account, it has returned, they instantly locked our payments profile and that's it, the whole story.
Many companies are experiencing attacks that get their content banned to cause them monetary damage. Bungie being one of the more main stream games. Google knows very well what they're doing and they pretend to hide behind a wall to not get involved. I recommend taking your case to your state representative and also consulting a lawyer. Detail and record everything you have stated to Google about your injustice and show that they have tried to automate you away with dark pattern.<p>Pursue justice.
A friend suggested to post this on Twitter, let's see if this works <a href="https://twitter.com/igordebatur/status/1509311018303823875" rel="nofollow">https://twitter.com/igordebatur/status/1509311018303823875</a>
Tell HN/Reddit has apparently become a de facto standard appeal procedure. This has to change. Google and other giants must be regulated. It shouldn't be so that unless you get in touch with an employee personally you stand no chance against the System
Don't forget to cc: your state and national legislators. They are the only ones who can actually fix this.<p>In your letter, point out that any sufficiently-dominant corporation is indistinguishable from a government, and do they really want the competition?
Why don't you just make a new GP account and transfer the app there? I had my Pay account suspended a couple of years ago for verifications issues and it worked just fine.<p>Be careful and don't forget to change the dev name
<a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=30811297" rel="nofollow">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=30811297</a>
> We’re unable to discuss the specific circumstances of this or any suspensions.<p>This is a lie. They're not <i>unable</i>, they're <i>unwilling</i>.
Have you considered a side-load option (not through Google Play)?<p>Why is that not an option?<p>Has someone documented the process and all the options in hosting your own app independent of Google Play?<p>What are the drawbacks?
Google is attempting to claim property control over a non-fidele property; someone else’s, because it claims as the “carrier” it can state that and it be accepted.<p>Have faith, Google is a defunct business. All law sees Google has disregarded property real-rights many, many times. All parties will receive proper reconsolidation.<p>It is inconvenient though-hang in there!
You played in someone else's sandbox and now they don't want you there. Too bad. You should have built your own sandbox. Come on man, you knew this.