AnkiDroid faces Google Play removal over donation link dispute
Original: AnkiDroid: Google Play no longer allowing Open Collective donation link
Why This Matters
The case highlights how platform payment policies can threaten widely-used open-source apps that rely on external donation infrastructure.
Since August 28, Google has blocked AnkiDroid updates on the Play Store over its Open Collective donation link. Unless resolved, the app — with over 10 million installs — will be removed globally on September 11, 2026, except in India and Russia.
AnkiDroid, a free open-source flashcard app for Android with over 10 million installs, is facing removal from Google Play after Google began rejecting app updates on August 28, 2026. The issue centers on AnkiDroid's in-app link to Open Source Collective, the US non-profit that serves as its fiscal host. Open Source Collective holds an IRS 501(c)(6) tax-exempt determination letter, which has been provided to Google. However, Google's payments policy restricts apps from directing users to external payment methods unless they qualify as 'tax exempt donations.' The AnkiDroid team is seeking clarification from Google on whether a 501(c)(6) determination satisfies this requirement. The team is urging the community to share the issue widely — particularly to anyone with Google contacts — but asks that users refrain from contacting Google support directly. The Google ticket number is #9-2777000041594. If unresolved, the app will be delisted worldwide (excluding India and Russia) on September 11, 2026.