AnkiDroid: Google Play no longer allowing Open Collective donation link
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Google Play rejected AnkiDroid updates over its Open Collective donation link.
AnkiDroid, a free open-source flashcard app with over 10 million installs, was notified by Google Play on July 20, 2026, that its donation link violates the Payments policy. Google's policy forbids apps from leading users to payment methods other than Google Play's billing system, except for tax-exempt donations. AnkiDroid's donations go to Open Source Collective, a US 501(c)(6) tax-exempt nonprofit. Google rejected the 501(c)(6) determination letter, stating the organization is "not tax-exempt." AnkiDroid has removed the donation links under protest and faces removal from Google Play on September 11, 2026, except in India and Russia. The developers seek clarification from Google on whether 501(c)(6) satisfies "tax exempt donations."
What commenters are saying
Commenters split on interpreting Google's policy. Some argue the issue is clear: donations to a 501(c)(6) are not tax-deductible for the donor, and the policy refers to tax-exempt donations, not tax-exempt organizations. Others note Google's emails are confusing and conflate the two. One commenter recalls Google pulling the same move with WireGuard in 2019. Several criticize the app store monopoly model, noting Google's upcoming 2027 changes that will require developers to register with Google to install apps from any source, with a 24-hour delay for unverified apps.