Google removes two global eSIM apps from Play Store

Google has removed two apps offering international eSIM services from its app store in India following orders from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) aimed at curbing cyberfraud.

The apps named Airalo and Holafly have been removed from the Google Play Store for the Indian market. Both apps offer eSIM enabling telecom services in various regions globally.

Google did not respond to an email seeking comment.


The company took the action after receiving orders from DoT on Thursday, which has also asked Apple, internet service providers, and telecom firms to block the websites of the two apps in India.

Government officials said fraudsters were found to exploit unauthorised eSIMs with international phone numbers to commit cybercrimes.

Notably, eSIM providers, which offer digital SIM cards for voice calling and internet data packs without requiring a physical SIM card, require a no-objection certificate (NoC) from the DoT.

The two apps, however, continue to be available on the Apple app store. Other eSIM providers such as Nomad eSIM, aloSIM are still available for users in India to download and use.