Google Removes Controversial Live Video Chat App Chamet from Play Store

In a recent move, Google has removed the popular live video chat app Chamet from its Play Store. The decision was made due to the app’s violation of Google’s user-generated content (UGC) policy.

Table of Contents

Background on Chamet

Chamet was a live video streaming app that allowed users to privately call the host of a stream with a payment. The app also enabled users to send gifts to streamers through in-app payments. While the app claimed to follow guidelines and warned its users against broadcasting suggestive content, it still featured numerous ads and had many women streamers who were dancing or talking about their lives.

Chamet’s Sketchy Ownership Practices

Last month, YouTuber Caleb Friesen tweeted a long thread exposing Chamet’s secretive ownership practices. He highlighted the company’s bare-bones website with little information on its ownership and operations. This sparked an investigation into the app’s sketchy business model.

Chamet’s Popularity in India

Chamet was one of the top-grossing apps in several Play Store categories, particularly in India. According to data shared by analytics firm Data.ai, users in India spent over $13.4 million on Chamet between January and July this year. Additionally, lifetime spending on the app totaled up to $38 million, with more than 26 million downloads.

Google’s Decision

Google confirmed the removal of Chamet from its Play Store, citing that the app violated its UGC policy. The company pointed to its guidelines, which state that apps whose primary purpose is featuring objectionable UGC will be removed from Google Play.

Impact on Other Live Video Chat Apps

While Google did not specify if it plans to take similar action against other live video chat apps, the move raises questions about the app’s business model and content moderation practices. With users in India spending over $46 million last year on this category of apps, the removal of Chamet from Play Store may have a significant impact on the industry.

What’s Next?

The decision by Google to remove Chamet from its Play Store sends a clear message about its commitment to maintaining high standards for user-generated content. However, it also raises questions about the app’s business model and ownership practices.

Industry Reaction

The removal of Chamet has sparked an industry-wide discussion on the importance of regulating live video chat apps and ensuring that their content moderation practices are transparent and effective.

Key Statistics

Over $13.4 million spent by users in India between January-July this year
Lifetime spending totaling up to $38 million, with more than 26 million downloads
Users in India spent over $46 million last year on live video chat apps
Other top-grossing live video chat apps include Azar, LiveU, and Honeycam Chat

Conclusion

The removal of Chamet from Google’s Play Store is a significant development in the live video chat app industry. It highlights the need for stricter regulations and more effective content moderation practices to ensure that users are protected from objectionable content.

Google Strikes World’s Largest Biochar Carbon Removal Deal with Indian Startup Varaha
Hyperline Secures $10 Million for Its Automated Billing Platform