Byju’s app removed from Google Play Store over payment default to vendor

The ed-tech giant Byju's primary learning app has been removed from Google Playstore following payment defaults to Amazon Web Services, industry sources, quoted by PTI have said.

Other applications under Think and Learn's Byju's brand remain accessible on the platform."BYJU's Learning app has been delisted from Playstore because of non-payment to Amazon Web Services, which provides support to the app. Byju's business is now being managed by an Insolvency Resolution Professional who has to manage all payment-related issues as well," a source told PTI.The educational content on Byju's Learning App encompassed subjects including mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology for students from classes 4-12, alongside social studies for classes 6-8.

Additionally, it offered preparation materials for competitive examinations such as JEE, NEET and IAS.Users can still access the application through Apple's App Store. Also, Byju's Premium Learning app and Exam Prep app remain available for download on Google Playstore.Meanwhile, The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal has initiated insolvency proceedings against the company after appeals from various investors, including the lender-authorised entity Glas Trust.

Byju's, once valued at $22 billion, has encountered numerous challenges including legal complications, difficulties in securing funds, and conflicts with investors. A significant controversy centres around the legal action involving its US subsidiary, Byju's Alpha. The subsidiary has levelled accusations against founder Raveendran, his spouse and co-founder Divya Gokulnath, and former executive Anita Kishore, claiming they redirected $533 million of borrowed funds.

Raveendran has rejected these allegations, suggesting they are part of a deliberate scheme orchestrated by Glas Trust, which serves as the lender's trustee.However, the founder refused to give up on the startup and earlier this month even hinted at possibility of 'Byju's 3.0'.Also read: Byju's founder Raveendran on why he didn’t agree to shut down businesses