Mitron app removed from Google Play Store: Here's why
Mitron, the video-sharing app that made headlines as India's answer to TikTok, has been pulled from the Google Play Store. The app debuted in April and became an instant hit due to its unique name and anti-China sentiments prevailing in the country. However, soon, it became evident that Mitron had several issues and that resulted in its removal from the Android app store.
Offering a TikTok-like experience on the surface
Mitron was launched with the promise of offering an 'Indian platform' to create short videos that are lip-synced to movie dialogs and songs, just like TikTok. On the surface, the app looked like its Chinese counterpart and offered an upward/downward scrolling 'Home' feed of videos, a central tab 'to create, edit, and share' clips, and options to access your own profile and 'Discover' videos.
5 million downloads in a month
The idea of an Indian app taking on China's TikTok, which has been criticized for promoting misogynistic content, made Mitron an instant hit. The platform raked over 50 lakh downloads in a month and topped Play Store's free apps charts. Notably, the app's name, which is PM Modi's vocal-for-local call, and the anti-China sentiments further helped the app grow progressively.
Then, problems started surfacing
While drawing more and more users, Mitron started getting caught up in controversies. First, it was revealed that the app was not actually 'Indian' - the promise it was riding on. Its entire source code was purchased from a Pakistani software developing company, Qboxus, for about Rs. 2,500. Essentially, the app was created without making any changes.
Here's what Qboxus CEO Irfan Sheikh said on the matter
"There is no problem with what the developer has done. He paid for the script and used it, which is okay. But, the problem is with people referring to it as an Indian-made app, which is not true because they have not made any changes".
Security and privacy concerns also cropped up
Along with the issue of Mitron's origin, many also flagged that the app does not have a privacy policy, which could put the user's data into jeopardy. The issue was fixed on May 30, but the policy provided limited information. Additionally, security researchers also noted that Mitron had a vulnerability which could have allowed attackers to take control of accounts on the service.
Finally, the app was red-flagged and removed by Google
As these issues came to fore, Google was contacted to provide information on the app and how it ended up on the Play Store despite these privacy-related issues. In response, the internet giant red-flagged the app and suspended it for violating its 'spam and minimum functionality' policy, which requires apps to provide minimum basic functionality without blatantly copying content from other apps.
Here is what Google's policy says
"We don't allow apps that merely provide the same experience as other apps already on Google Play. Apps should provide value to users through the creation of unique content or services." Clearly, Mitron, which copied TikTok, was in violation here.
Uninstall Mitron, if not done already
Now, Mitron cannot be downloaded from the Play Store, but if you already have it on your phone, we recommend uninstalling it right away. Also, make sure to disconnect the social account (Google/Facebook) used to sign up on the app so that your data/account is not compromised in any way. Further, watch out for clones with similar names on the Play Store.
