EskomSePush app temporarily suspended from Google Play Store

Loadshedding app EskomSePush was temporarily suspended from the Google Play Store this week.

Herman Maritz, co-creator of the app, shared the news of the suspension on Twitter on 14 March.

Thanks @GooglePlayDev pic.twitter.com/0TMAbJR7wk

— Herman Maritz (@hermaritz) March 14, 2021

Rather than the suspension stemming from issues with the app itself, it seemed to come from user-generated content.

The app has a chat functionality, with moderators and the ability to report users. Maritz noted that these are the necessary protocols in place according to Google policies.

However, he later posted an update saying the app was removed because the report feature allows users to “Report User” rather than just “Report”.

Really disappointed with @GooglePlayDev @googledevs
Our app was banned because the button says "Report User" and not just "Report" pic.twitter.com/1tFxBz4F8L

— Herman Maritz (@hermaritz) March 15, 2021

Maritz also shared a reply from Google that cited this as the reason.

“Your app currently only includes feature [sic] to flag inappropriate users. According to User Generated Content policy, the app must provide a user-friendly, in-app system for reporting objectionable UGC (objectionable content) and take action against that UGC where appropriate,” the Google response said.

The issue has since been resolved, with EskomSePush restored on the Play Store.

However, Maritz notes that better communication from Google could’ve sped the process up.

With loadshedding set to last until 17 March, the end to the suspension will be a welcome turn for the app company, which serves ads to users.

Feature image: Memeburn

Read more: Apps and tools to help you keep track of your loadshedding schedule and stages