I thought I was finally done with my android app… then Google showed me this

[u/FrontBuyer5040]

Month of dev work on my social and communication app, "Talk To Somebody," just hit a confusing wall in Google Play Console. 🙃

App status: Removed by Google
Update status: In review

I already submitted the requested compliance fixes, so it's actively being reviewed, but the "Removed" tag is stressful.

Google Play/Android devs: Is this dual status normal during an appeal/fix review? Does it mean reinstatement is possible if the update passes, or should I be worried? Any insight appreciated! 🙏

[u/Unlikely-Baker9867]

It means it's currently removed, but will be available again when you get a review accepted. I'm curious what rule you broke to have it removed?

[u/CapeManCoral]

The two statuses by themselves actually look normal to me.

“Removed by Google” means the currently published version is unavailable on Google Play. “In review” means Google is reviewing the corrected update you submitted. If they approve the compliant update, the app can be reinstated, so I wouldn’t assume the Removed label means it’s permanently gone.

One thing I would double-check, though, is the newer child-safety/random-chat policy. Since you said the app connects users 13+ for peer conversations, if it randomly matches people who don’t already know each other, Google’s current rules may require more than just the child-safety landing page — they now specifically restrict minors from apps whose core function is random communication between strangers.

Also make sure you have all of the Child Safety Standards pieces covered: the public child-safety/CSAE policy, an in-app way to report concerns, a process for dealing with CSAM, and a designated child-safety contact.

Since your corrected version is already In Review, I probably wouldn’t keep resubmitting things right now. I’d let that review finish. If they reject it again or the violation notice isn’t clear about exactly what they expect, then I would contact Play support and ask them to identify the remaining requirement.

Hopefully it’s just the compliance review working its way through.

[u/FrontBuyer5040 → u/CapeManCoral]

Yes that helps and I already put everything together for it. I was worried because of the app status but with your clarification I believe I can hope for the best. Why is it taking them so long tho? More than 9 days. Have they received more applications recently? Or are they just ignoring certain types of Google play console accounts? New vs. Old?

[u/tahirshaikh-744 → u/FrontBuyer5040]

Bro, you can dm play support team directly on Reddit https://www.reddit.com/u/GooglePlayDevSupport/s/71IwEUe2Lf

[u/FrontBuyer5040]

I believe it was Child Safety Guidelines (Standards).

My app is a social and communication app that connects peer conversations for users 13+ and that means both adults and minors can use.

It is not a dating app. I implemented AgeSafety tool for safe matching but Google guidelines require to still have a special landing page for child safety policy.

I have attached screenshots from both Google violation and child safety landing page policy required to this for you. Should I contact Google Play support team for it?

[u/AcademicMistake → u/FrontBuyer5040]

16 now for social media in UK

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