FX File Explorer removed from the Play Store for “deceptively” advertising…a free theme

FX File Explorer is one of the more popular file explorers on Android. We’ve written about the app numerous times, and the developer is very active in our forums. We were surprised when the developer reached out to tell us Google had removed the app from the Play Store, and even more surprised when we heard the reason why.

The app was removed from the Play Store for violating the Deceptive Ads policy (which you can read here). Simply put, this is a policy to make sure that ads in apps are clearly labeled, so as to not trick users into interacting with them. Google provided a screenshot of the “deceptive ad” in question and it turns out to it was simply a button in the Theme settings that takes the user to the free FX Faenza theme.

The “deceptive” ad

The developer immediately appealed the removal, but as of the time of writing, FX File Explorer is still missing from the Play Store. A button in the Themes section that leads to a free theme from the same developer that made the app is obviously not what the Deceptive Ads policy is about. It’s easy to say Google should be more understanding and reach out before removing an app, but with millions of apps to review, these things are bound to happen. We can only hope the situation is resolved quickly.

Source: XDA Forums

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