eSewa back to Google Play store: The real reason behind its removal

The popular mobile wallet had been temporarily removed from the Google Play Store due to a technical glitch during the business verification process, causing widespread inconvenience among users. While rumors circulated about potential security breaches leading to the app’s removal, the truth lies in a more ordinary bureaucratic issue. However, the app is back in the Google Play Store.

The root cause of the problem stems from Google’s tightened app publishing policies, introduced last year to prioritize user safety and experience. As part of these regulations, developers must undergo a rigorous business verification process. Any dissimilarities in the provided information can lead to the removal of the developer profile and associated apps.

When the eSewa Google developer account was created, the company was registered as a Private Limited company. On April 10, 2024, it transitioned to a Public Limited company. This name change caused issues with eSewa’s business verification.

The company’s subsequent failure to align its information with the Dun & Bradstreet database, a crucial step in the verification process, resulted in Google’s decision to remove the app.

Despite the inconvenience to users, eSewa has assured the public that the app’s removal is not related to security concerns and that user funds remain safe. The company is actively working to resolve the issue and expects the app to be reinstated on the Google Play Store within a week.

This incident serves as a warning story for app developers, highlighting the importance of meticulous attention to detail during the verification process.