Google threatens that all apps can be removed from the store if this isn't checked correctly. This results in the closure of all Google accounts, with no chance to ever again create a new one.
Their policy (see below) says that "promotion of my other apps" also counts as an ad. TC links to plugins via "Add plugins" in the home folder. This could be seen as an ad for own apps, or not, Google can decide on its own. Whatever I choose, they can ban me. Furthermore, some third party plugins can show ads in the context of TC. Google could say that TC shows these ads, and ban me. Whatever I do, they can ban me. I already got one "strike" for the Google drive plugin, which was named "Plugin: GoogleDrive - Totalcmd", but it was still banned by Google for violating their trademark. I do not want to risk that again.
Since Total Commander for Android is a hobby, I do not want to risk my Google accounts and all purchased apps for an app I do not make any money with. Therefore I will probably remove TC for Android from the play store in the near future. The alternative would be to show ads in TC, which I really don't want to do.
Any ideas?
Christian
Ads Label
You should declare whether or not your app contains ads (like ads delivered through third party ad networks, display ads, native ads, and/or banner ads) on your app's Pricing & Distribution page. Once the feature launches broadly, apps that contain ads will have an "Ads" label shown on their store listing page.
Note: The "Ads" label isn't meant to cover whether an app contains other kinds of commercial content, like paid product placement or offers to make in-app purchases or upgrades. If your app includes paid product placements, make sure they comply with local laws.
Examples
Here are a few examples of when you should answer "yes" to having ads for purposes of the "Ads" label. This isn't a comprehensive list but just a few examples based on the most common types of ads.
Banner and interstitials: My app integrates with an Ad SDK to show banners and/or interstitials. I use the ad formats to monetize and/or promote my own products or apps.
Native ads: My app includes ads natively, indistinguishable from other content (e.g. sponsored articles, ads within a feed, etc).
House ads: My app renders a small banner to promote my other apps.
Additional monitoring
While you're responsible for accurately declaring ad presence in your apps, Google may verify this at any time and display the "Ads" label if appropriate.
If you think your app has been incorrectly labeled by our system, contact our support team for help.
Enforcement
If you misrepresent the presence of ads in your app(s), it’s considered a violation of Google Play policies and may result in your app(s) being suspended.