Google Play Store Blocks Binance App in India Following Government Noncompliance Notice

Google’s Play Store in India has blocked the Binance cryptocurrency exchange app after the Indian government issued a noncompliance notice. This follows a similar decision by Apple’s App Store in India in December 2023. The Indian government blocked access to global crypto exchanges, including Binance, KuCoin, and OKX, on January 12. The move is part of India’s efforts to restrict access to foreign crypto platforms, citing concerns about potential money laundering. While the Binance app has been removed from the Play Store, it’s still accessible via web browsers. The Finance Ministry’s Financial Intelligence Unit had issued warnings and show-cause notices to several international exchanges, alleging illegal operations and non-compliance with anti-money laundering laws. The restrictions aim to prevent Indians from downloading foreign exchange apps, directing users toward local platforms. Indian exchanges like WazirX and CoinDCX have seen increased user inflows amid the government’s crackdown on foreign platforms. (Source: Cointelegraph)