Google removes app that wanted you to delete ‘Chinese apps’ from Google Play

Recently an app called ‘Remove China app’ developed by Jaipur-based OneTouch AppLabs crossed over 50 lakhs downloads just one week of its launch.

What does that app do?

So once the app gets installed it scans all the apps in our android mobile and users could identify and possibly delete apps that originate from China.

The app scanned user's phones for apps such as ByteDance’s TikTok and Alibaba UC Browser. Once deleted, a message popped up saying “You are Awesome”, no China app found.”

Why Google removed from PlayStore?

1. Google claims that the application was violating its Deceptive Behaviour policy.
2. OneTouch AppLabs claimed to be developed for “educational purposes,” it was capitalizing on the anti-China sentiment prevalent across the country right now. But later found that it was not used for educational purposes.
3. The app also led the top free apps chart on Google Play and remained there for at least two days.
4. Remove China Apps allowed users to identify and remove apps that were of Chinese origin on their smartphones. While it was able to identify popular apps, including the likes of TikTok, ShareIt, UC Browser, and CamScanner, from Chinese developers, it didn’t detect apps that come pre-installed on phones from Chinese manufacturers.
5. Remove China Apps’ removal comes soon after Google had pulled the Mitron app from Google Play store. Mitron was a clone of TikTok that also benefitted from anti-China sentiments and also saw lakhs of downloads. Despite issues, the app still managed to find traction among users and went viral.