Our app suddenly got removed as done in the past. Upon going through the details, it appears that this app got removed for not meeting new policy requirements. Supposedly, this app did not meet the requirements for "Designed for Families" categorization.
Though our app would like to be categorized for this section, we did not
want to spend unnecessary time to update the app just for this purpose.
After taking this decision, we resubmitted a couple of section in the "App Content" section after opting out of this category. Even after this submission, we received the following response, which seems no way connected to this app and appears to be a different reason than the reason cited before for removing our application in the first place. Please note that this application does not require any login credentials from the developer side, and for that matter, even the user. The user just needs to click the button to make this app an admin based app that would allow the user to quickly lock the app in the future. In the same way, if the user decides to remove this app from the admin list, then the user just needs to press the same button again.
What other action have we taken?
We also followed up by submitting a play support form explaining why
their decision needs to be reconsidered citing the same reason mentioned above.
Even after taking this action, our application was not accepted, and we were asked to submit an appeal, which we have done as well. In addition, we also submitted the application for review after making changes to the following section as well,
- App content: 'COVID-19 contact tracing and status apps' declaration updated
- App content: 'Data safety' declaration updated
Those who are already using this app would know that this app is to quickly and safely lock the device to prevent unnecessary access. As stated in the app description section, this app was developed after hearing and reading repeated examples of young kids/infants accessing the phone and making calls or sending messages without the parents' knowledge. Though this reason was the basis for this development, anyone who would like to quickly lock the app can use this application.
UPDATED ON FEB 28, 2022:
Finally came back live
ORIGINAL RATINGS WHEN THE APP WENT LIVE FOR THE FIRST TIME - shared for comparison purposes
