Google Removes Binance and Kraken Apps from Play Store Amid India's Crypto Crackdown

Google has removed several cryptocurrency exchanges, including Binance and Kraken, from its Play Store in India following allegations of illegal operations. The move comes two weeks after the Indian government's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) issued show cause notices to nine crypto firms, claiming non-compliance with anti-money laundering rules. Apple had already pulled the apps, and telecom networks began blocking URLs of these exchanges. The affected platforms include Huobi, Gate.io, Bittrex, and Bitfinex. Amid India's stringent tax policies, domestic crypto traders have migrated to global platforms, contributing to a 97% decline in trading activity on local exchange WazirX. The move underscores India's historical tough stance on cryptocurrencies and regulatory concerns