Due to a random review of the app by Google finding a Google Play policy violation, after a failed appeal, I had to issue an update to Google Play (SeriesGuide 2025.2.7) that removes links to third-party websites if your device country or region is set to one outside the European Economic Area.
Users that have installed the app from the official GitHub repository or through Amazon Appstore are not affected.
Details for those interested:
Apparently Google is now enforcing a very strict interpretation of the Google Play Payments policy (additional information and examples) which, among other things, prohibits leading users to payment methods other than Google Play Billing, for example using links.
Apparently, it is now also not allowed to link to any third-party website if users in any way can click through to a payment page. So linking to any Trakt websites, which contain links to their subscription service. Or linking to TMDB pages, which contain links to streaming services. Or linking to IMDB which offers a Pro subscription.
While I still wait on this update to get final approval, some good news: yesterday (2025-07-31) a US court ordered injunction has come into effect after Google lost its appeal in the case against Epic Games. According to the injunction Google will be required (at least for 3 years) to stop enforcing this policy, including the requirement to use Google Play Billing when publishing on the Play Store in the US (Developers selling in the European Economic Area already theoretically are able to do this thanks to the Digital Markets Act).
Update: the injunction is again on pause upon request of Google to prepare for an appeal at a higher level court.
Anyhow, I’ll let you know what happens.