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Well, is it? The linked post is obviously biased, so I'd rather wait for more information instead of getting my pitchfork out immediately.

by vntok 6y ago

Jaygles 6y ago
It seems to me that the nature of the app is whats causing the issue. From one of the emails they got from Google: > We don't allow apps with any code that could put a user, a user’s data, or a device at risk. Maybe they think the ability to execute arbitrary code is too powerful of a feature?
- ivoras 6y ago
  Historically, that has been a major reason for banning apps for both Apple and Google. IIRC Apple even went to extremes and banned browsers which do not use their own JavaScript interpreter.
- CogitoCogito 6y ago
  That could be the issue. It could also be something else entirely. It's a bit unfortunate that they are left guessing as to what the problem is.
- pjerem 6y ago
  > Maybe they think the ability to execute arbitrary code is too powerful of a feature? Yes, probably. But maybe they can act and speak like humans, maybe even make a phone call before just deleting without notice a well established 7 years old app with more than 100k users, cancelling all revenue from user's subscriptions, and all that while sending bot-like mails just saying that they can't give more information about why they are killing an organisation. I think this is really serious. A respected business is going to be shut down, real people are going to be fired and Google isn't even able to answer to an email asking why it's happening ?
  - richardwhiuk 6y ago
    Maybe the business should have read the policy guidelines.
- Jiocus 6y ago
  “Hold my beer," - mobile Google Chrome. Trying to see it from Googles point of view though. Perhaps there is a useful distinction to be made between end-user apps, and apps and functionality targeting developers. There is developer tooling to be found outside the Play store. Far away from the general audience and the risk of causing them security issues. I can't say I agree with it, and Droidscript could well be a godsend to somebody making good use of it. There should be an avalanche of truly malicious apps and related dev malpractice they could root out from their platform before this.
marcinzm 6y ago
Since Google lacks any form of human feedback or customer service the only approach is to bring out pitchforks as soon as possible. Otherwise no clarity will ever be provided.
croes 6y ago
"The Register asked Google to explain why DroidScript was removed and whether it's possible the policy violation allegations might have been made in error. We've not heard back." https://www.theregister.com/2021/04/27/droidscript_google_ban/ https://www.theregister.com/2021/04/27/droidscript_google_ba...
- vntok 6y ago
  Why would they owe anything to the Register?
lopis 6y ago
It could even be. Maybe Google found out they were hijacked in some way and the app contained malware. The main issue if that Google refuses to let publishers know the reason for bans and take-downs.

Well, is it? The linked post is obviously biased, so I'd rather wait for more information instead of getting my pitchfork out immediately.

by vntok 6y ago

Well, is it? The linked post is obviously biased, so I'd rather wait for more information instead of getting my pitchfork out immediately.

Jaygles 6y ago

It seems to me that the nature of the app is whats causing the issue. From one of the emails they got from Google: > We don't allow apps with any code that could put a user, a user’s data, or a device at risk. Maybe they think the ability to execute arbitrary code is too powerful of a feature?

ivoras 6y ago
Historically, that has been a major reason for banning apps for both Apple and Google. IIRC Apple even went to extremes and banned browsers which do not use their own JavaScript interpreter.
CogitoCogito 6y ago
That could be the issue. It could also be something else entirely. It's a bit unfortunate that they are left guessing as to what the problem is.
pjerem 6y ago
> Maybe they think the ability to execute arbitrary code is too powerful of a feature? Yes, probably. But maybe they can act and speak like humans, maybe even make a phone call before just deleting without notice a well established 7 years old app with more than 100k users, cancelling all revenue from user's subscriptions, and all that while sending bot-like mails just saying that they can't give more information about why they are killing an organisation. I think this is really serious. A respected business is going to be shut down, real people are going to be fired and Google isn't even able to answer to an email asking why it's happening ?
- richardwhiuk 6y ago
  Maybe the business should have read the policy guidelines.
Jiocus 6y ago
“Hold my beer," - mobile Google Chrome. Trying to see it from Googles point of view though. Perhaps there is a useful distinction to be made between end-user apps, and apps and functionality targeting developers. There is developer tooling to be found outside the Play store. Far away from the general audience and the risk of causing them security issues. I can't say I agree with it, and Droidscript could well be a godsend to somebody making good use of it. There should be an avalanche of truly malicious apps and related dev malpractice they could root out from their platform before this.

marcinzm 6y ago

Since Google lacks any form of human feedback or customer service the only approach is to bring out pitchforks as soon as possible. Otherwise no clarity will ever be provided.

croes 6y ago

"The Register asked Google to explain why DroidScript was removed and whether it's possible the policy violation allegations might have been made in error. We've not heard back." https://www.theregister.com/2021/04/27/droidscript_google_ban/ https://www.theregister.com/2021/04/27/droidscript_google_ba...

vntok 6y ago
Why would they owe anything to the Register?

lopis 6y ago

It could even be. Maybe Google found out they were hijacked in some way and the app contained malware. The main issue if that Google refuses to let publishers know the reason for bans and take-downs.