AnkiDroid: Google Play no longer allowing Open Collective donation link(github.com)
917 points by hexa555 9 days ago | 279 comments
tl;dr: Google Play is threatening to remove AnkiDroid (10M+ installs) from the store on September 11 unless it removes its Open Collective donation link, arguing donations must go to a "tax-exempt organization." AnkiDroid's fiscal host, Open Source Collective, provided an IRS determination letter confirming 501(c)(6) tax-exempt status, but Google support has repeatedly rejected it without explaining why 501(c)(6) doesn't qualify (the policy doesn't specify 501(c)(3)). The team is removing the donation link under protest and asking for help escalating to someone inside Google.
HN Discussion:
  • App store monopolies are harmful and this incident proves they need regulation
  • Google is technically correct because 501(c)(6) donations aren't tax-deductible to the donor
  • Google's opaque AI-driven support process is broken and hurts developers
  • ~PWAs or alternative distribution methods would sidestep this problem entirely
  • Expressing gratitude for AnkiDroid and intent to donate