FG Identifies 18 Illegal Apps, Orders Google to Remove From Playstore.

Google has been ordered by the Federal Competition and Customer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to remove Easynaira, Swiftcach, and 16 other digital money lenders from the Playstore due to their alleged non-compliance with regulations.

The (FCCPC) has directed Google to remove the applications of specific Digital Money Lending (DML) companies from the Google Playstore.

These apps were found to be unregistered for digital money lending activities. Babatunde Irukera, the CEO of FCCPC, made a statement on Wednesday, highlighting that some apps were previously delisted by the FCCPC but were still available on the Playstore.

The Commission identified further apps lacking the required approvals, yet were accessible on the platform.

The FCCPC subsequently instructed Google to remove the following apps from the Playstore: Getloan, Joy Cash-Loan Up to 1,000,000, Camelloan, Cashlawn Nairaloan, Eaglecash, Moneytreefinance Made Easy, Luckyloan Personal Loan, Cashme, Easynaira, Swiftcash, Crediting, Swiftkash, Hen Credit loan, Nutloan, Cash door, Cashpal, and Nairaeasy gist loan.

Babatunde Irukera, the Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), emphasized that the Commission would continue its dialogue with Google to gain clarity on how and why apps lacking relevant regulatory approvals are accessible on Google’s platform, the Playstore.

According to the Guidelines, only Digital Money Lenders (DMLs) that have undergone regulatory scrutiny and compliance, as evidenced by written approval from the Commission, are permitted on the Playstore.

The Commission advised the non-compliant businesses to ensure proper registration of their Digital Money Lenders (DMLs) and provide evidence of compliance. Failure to do so may result in permanent delisting and prohibition, and could lead to law enforcement action, including prosecution.