Aug 23, 2024

Account Termination Due to High Risk Behavior - Policy Coverage Policy

Dear Google Play Console Team,

My developer account (Global Geek Tech) was terminated due to "High Risk Behavior - Policy Coverage Policy" while publishing our app (Geek VPN App). This decision was unexpected, especially since our app passed closed testing without issues.

I have no prior violations, and my account is not linked to any terminated accounts. However, I found an unrelated app (com.geektools.vpn.free) banned on the Play Store, which might have caused confusion.

We are not associated with that app and can provide evidence.

We're from Myanmar, currently in Japan, developing Geek VPN to support free speech, as many VPNs are banned by the military junta. Thousands are waiting for our app. We’re willing to change the app name if necessary and can provide any additional documents or even our source code. Please reconsider the termination. Thank you for your time and understanding.

I have sent this appeal to Google. Having the same name as a banned app leading to an account termination seems unreasonable. Has anyone else experienced something similar?

Any advice or responses would be appreciated.

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Last edited Aug 23, 2024

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BenMcc

Diamond Product Expert

PE: Play Console - Here for the fun of it!

Aug 23, 2024

Hi,

It is almost impossible to know if the termination is because of that app or something else. Play are very strict with VPN apps now and if your app was doing anything that may look suspicious that it had not told the users about then it could cause a problem.

I see you have made an appeal so for now you will just need to wait and see what the outcome of that is.

Ben

Global Geek Tech

Original Poster

Aug 30, 2024

Hi Ben,

My recent third appeal with full details was rejected by Google.

Summary of Appeal Process:

First Appeal (Aug 23):

We clarified that we’re not associated with any terminated accounts and offered additional relevant details like ID and Payment JCB Card info.
We also mentioned we’re not related to the banned app (com.geektools.vpn.free) and even offered to share our source code.
Google acknowledged the appeal but rejected it on Aug 26, 2024.

Second Appeal (Aug 26):

We assumed the issue might be with our app and provided a detailed explanation of its functionalities.
Google again acknowledged the appeal, but it was rejected on Aug 29, 2024.

Third Appeal (Aug 29):

We focused on the possibility of an account association issue and explained everything in detail, including account access, VPN use in Myanmar, recent AdMob rejection, and more.
We requested human intervention to review our case thoroughly.
We attached documents for identity verification and provided relevant details.
Full third appeal details: Pastebin Link.
On Aug 30, 2024, the appeal was rejected without even an acknowledgment of review.

It feels like Google isn’t fully considering the detailed info we provided and is relying too much on AI-generated results. This approach seems one-sided.

Instantly terminating our account without any prior notices or app suspension emails feels too harsh for us.

We understand the challenges and complexities involved in managing a vast number of apps and developers, and we genuinely appreciate the effort that goes into maintaining the integrity of the platform. We are fully committed to adhering to all Google Play policies and are prepared to implement any specific changes or additional actions recommended to ensure compliance.

Now I’m stuck and feeling completely helpless. What should I do next? Is closing the case, sitting in silence, and accepting this unfortunate fate the only option left for us?

I’m really frustrated, disappointed, and exhausted. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks for your time, Ben.

Best,
Global Geek Tech

Last edited Aug 30, 2024

BenMcc

Diamond Product Expert

PE: Play Console - Here for the fun of it!

Aug 30, 2024

Hi,

I am really sorry but there is not much more I can say - I do know that the appeals are not AI but are done by humans, Of course humans can also make mistakes or perhaps not understand a situation but after three appeals I really don't think there is anything more I can suggest other than if after 3 attempts then perhaps your reasoning is wrong and perhaps that is not the cause of the association?

Ben