Google Play Store has suspended the Ethereum MetaMaskapp, citing concerns that the app mined on user devices. This is the second time within the week that Google censors crypto ecosystems hosted on its platform.

In a recent tweet, MetaMask notified the community that the Android app has been suspended for violations of its ‘no mining on devices’ policy.

In the last week, the MetaMask Android client was suspended by the Google Play App Store @googleplaydev. They cited their policy that bans mining on mobile, which we don't. Appeal rejected. #ProtectWeb3.https://t.co/rfP4EbOAqv!?zippy_activeEl=cryptocurrencies%23cryptocurrencies — MetaMask (@metamask_io) December 26, 2019

Meanwhile Metamask is an open-source app. Unfortunately Google has rejected an appeal of their decision, still citing ‘mining’ as the reason.

This is not the first time that MetaMask is censored by Google. The team cited a case from summer 2018 where its Chrome Extension was similarly removed from the store. In that case, Google reinstated the app, following a protest from the community.

Android users are now left with limited choices for obtaining MataMask. Developers have not made an .apk binary for download. The only available option for users right now is to build the app from the source code.

The series of bans could easily be a coincidence, or even an attempt by Google to protect its community. Some crypto community members pointed out that getting rid of YouTube influencers, some of which are Ponzi scheme promoters, was a good thing.

The idea that suspended $crypto YouTubers are going to migrate to decentralised alternatives is risible.



It’s not about sharing content and spreading adoption.



It’s about generating views and shilling unregistered securities and affiliate links to noobs for money.



Be real. — Cred (@CryptoCred) December 26, 2019

Right now, more confirmations will be needed before it can be concluded Google is systematically acting against the crypto industry.



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