Google lifts ban on Ethereum wallet app it thought was mining cryptocurrency – TNW

On Wednesday, Google restored Ethereum app MetaMask, after it mistakenly removed it from its Play Store.

Earlier this week, Google backtracked on its ban of Ethereum ETH app and wallet MetaMask after removing it from its Play Store just a week earlier. The wallet app conveyed the U-turn in a tweet on New Years Day.

MetaMask was banned last week after the Big G reportedly believed that the app was mining cryptocurrency. If youre not up to speed on Google Play Store terms of use, mining apps arent allowed on the platform.

However, MetaMask doesnt mine cryptocurrencies, rather it serves as an cryptocurrency and token wallet to allow users to interact directly with Ethereum dapps.

Google has had a tumultuous past when it comes to cryptocurrency apps and its Play Store.

Back in July 2018, it banned cryptocurrency mining apps from its Play Store. A report from Ars Technica in 2017 found that malicious cryptocurrency mining malware installed on phones could physically damage devices if left to run for too long.

Indeed, by banning mining apps Google was, in part, working in the interests of its users. However, 30 days after the initial ban, the Play Store still featured numerous apps that contravened its policy update.

Once Google is made aware of apps that break its rules, it usually acts relatively swiftly to remove them. For MetaMask though, it looks like Google was a little too quick to the draw.

Published January 3, 2020 09:00 UTC

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Google lifts ban on Ethereum wallet app it thought was mining cryptocurrency - TNW