Crypto

Google Play Store Excludes Binance Among Others Following Indian FIU Directive

Published January 15, 2024

In an unexpected move, Alphabet Inc.'s Google Play Store has recently removed several cryptocurrency exchange applications, including the popular Binance platform, in response to a notice from India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Although these applications have been delisted from the Play Store, they continue to operate normally for existing users who have previously downloaded the apps and can also be accessed via web browsers. This development reflects the ongoing scrutiny and regulations that the cryptocurrency sector faces globally.

Impact on Binance and Other Crypto Exchanges

The procedural delisting by the Google Play Store appears to be Google's conformity with the compliance requirements stipulated by the Indian FIU. Notably, the current user base of the affected cryptocurrency exchanges, which includes Binance and others, is not hampered by this move since the applications remain functional for users who had installed them before the removal. The platforms are also accessible through conventional internet browsers, ensuring uninterrupted services for the existing clientele.

Stock Market Reaction

Such regulatory actions have the potential to influence investor sentiment. Alphabet Inc., holding the ticker GOOG, along with other technology and financial stocks, might exhibit fluctuations in the stock market due to news of this nature, which affects the landscape of the digital currency market. Moreover, stocks like Aspire Women's Video Network's AWON and cryptocurrencies such as KuCoin Shares CRYPTO:KCS also reflect reactions to regulatory measures that impact the broader FinTech and cryptocurrency ecosystems.

Headquartered in Mountain View, California, Alphabet Inc. emerged from a restructuring of Google on October 2, 2015, positioning itself as the parent company of Google and several of its former subsidiaries. The company's co-founders retained significant influence as controlling shareholders, alongside their roles as board members and employees. Alphabet proudly stands as the fourth-largest tech company in the world by revenue and ranks among the globe's most valuable entities.

Google, Binance, India