Help Me Fight Back Against Google as an Indie Developer

Hello everyone,

I’m Slashpaf , an independent developer and the creator of Audio Forge , a growing app that has been providing valuable services to the tabletop RPG gaming community. It has been available on the Play Store and the App Store for a few months (since April 2024) and more recently on Windows. Everything was indicating a successful trend. I’ve put countless hours into developing and improving it, building a small business that I’m proud of. Unfortunately, I'm now facing a nightmare situation that threatens my livelihood, and I need your help to fight back.

On September 6th, 2024, my app was unfairly suspended from the Google Play Store, and my developer account was automatically terminated. The reason? Google based their decision on an outdated, pre-alpha version of my app that was never released to the public. This version existed only on an inactive track—something that should never have been the basis for suspension. As a result, my app was removed, my reputation was damaged, my income was abruptly cut off, and Google informed me that my career as an Android developer was over.

Despite my efforts to communicate with the Google Play team and explain the situation, they have refused to reconsider their decision. I am now left with no choice but to pursue legal action to fight this injustice and hold Google accountable.

Why I Need Your Help

I am a small indie developer, and legal fees can quickly become overwhelming. I want to give Google the chance to resolve this on their own, but I need to be ready to act quickly if they don't. To qualify for a fast-track legal procedure that could bring a resolution in weeks instead of years, I need to act soon.

What the Funds Will Cover

Your donation will go directly toward:

My Commitment to You

I will keep you updated on every step of this journey. I will be transparent about where the funds are going and how the legal battle is progressing. Together, we can fight for fairness and hold Google accountable for the way they treat small developers.

Why This Matters

This is not just about my app. It’s about the rights of small developers everywhere. Google and other major platforms have a responsibility to treat all developers fairly and to provide a clear path for resolution when problems arise. By contributing, you’re helping to set a legal precedent that can protect countless other indie developers in the future.

Thank you for your support. Every donation, no matter how small, brings me one step closer to justice.

Let's fight back, together.

The initial legal fees have been estimated at around €5,000. However, given the complexities of challenging a company like Google, I've set the goal at €7,500 to cover any unforeseen legal expenses and ensure we have the necessary resources to fight this battle effectively. Any excess funds will be used to support other developers in need or to improve Audio Forge.

Slashpaf

Developer of Audio Forge