Recently, the developer behind the app AllKnit - Knitting Assistant had their app suspended due to a completely artificial issue - the app icon used on the home screen differed from the app icon used in the app. This issue was completely unintentional, and a harmless issue at that. The app icon used on the home screen was left over from the original template used to start the app, and was not in any way attempting to deceive users. Google Play cited their Deceptive Behavior policy, stating that it had been violated by this difference. For reference, here is the intended app icon:

 

 

 

 

And here is the unintentionally used app icon:

 

 

 

 

As one can see, this is not an intentionally deceptive issue - the accidental icon isn't even another app's icon! Regardless, the issue could have been solved by a communication with the developer, especially since this issue should have been caught by the Google Play app review team before it was ever approved for sale. However, instead of this happening, Google Play decided to permanently suspend the app without any prior communication - and their suggested course of action? Create a new app on the Google Play Console with a new identifier. The issue with doing so? These app identifiers are also what is used to associate the app with its services, like authentication and data. Creating a new app would require re-building and re-associating these services, as well as separating the cross-platform associations between the Android and iOS versions of the app.

Google Play is making a completely unnecessary action against this app, and after multiple communications with them, they still refuse to un-suspend the app, citing that it still violates policy. Yes, it does still 'violate' policy, seeing as the developer hasn't been able to release the update since the app is suspended.

Google Play is using their semi-monopolistic powers to make unfair accusations and punishments to indie developers, forcing them to lose revenue and user base. These actions against indie developers cannot continue, as they are ruining the indie app marketplace and hurting developers around the world. Large companies like Google only respond to issues when the issue has a large amount of people calling them out on it. Call Google out on their malpractice and end their unfair treatment of indie developers.