Last night Organic Maps was removed from the Play Store without any warnings or additional details due to “not meeting the requirements for the Family Program”. Compared to Google Maps and other maps apps rated for 3+ age, there are no ads or in-app purchases in Organic Maps. We have asked for an appeal.
As a temporary workaround for the Google Play issue, you can install the new upcoming Google Play update from this link: https://cdn.organicmaps.app/apk/OrganicMaps-24081605-GooglePlay.apk
The Announcement on various Networks:
Fosstodon Post
Twitter Post
Telegram Post
If you don’t know what Organic Maps is, it is an alternative to OsmAnd and google maps, more info on the official site (link) and GitHub.
Maybe an error? Honestly this is a weird one. I hope we will learn more in the coming hours.
You can still get it on the other channels, like F-Droid or Obtainium. Still, we all know that not being on the Play Store is an heavy sentence for any Android app.
EDITs
- Added F-Droid link.
- Fixed Typo in the obtainium link.
Why would you enlist a map app under the Families program in the first place though?
@gencha No reason at all. It was probably wrongfully flagged by Google’s AI based on some stupid wrongful training data. At least that’s what I think though, because folks at Pushbullet (remember the app?) seem to be having similar problems about “not mentioning that they upload user data to their servers” even though they clearly mention this when the app is opened for the first time.
blog.pushbullet.com/2022/10/27…
@Mechanize
Probably ensures that children can use it
That makes sense, but my understanding is, what Google considers Family content is not an add-on to regular content. Your content is not also for children, it is catered towards them. This implies using dedicated Google functionality, special SDKs, and so on, to comply with law. So your product needs to be designed in a very specific way to be eligible. I’m not aware of how Google Play restricts children from installing certain apps, but you can always install an app through a parental supervisor account.
To me, this story seems like a lot of crying over a situation that is not fully explained.
The screenshot had has the criteria included though. Relevant part: either be for children or for everyone.
Yeah I feel like this makes it harder to have this app used as an educational resource.