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India bans 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, Shareit, UC Browser citing national security

WION Web Team
NEW DELHIEdited By: Nikhil PandeyUpdated: Jul 01, 2020, 06:46 PM IST
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Photograph:(AFP)

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Some popular Chinese apps like TikTok, Vigo video have already shown a dip in download after the cross border tension.

In the midst of ongoing tension at Sino-Indian border after a standoff with Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, the Govt of India on Monday took an unprecedented step and decided to ban at least 59 Chinese apps.    

Also read: Immediately remove 52 Chinese apps from your phone, orders Uttar Pradesh STF to employees

"This move will safeguard the interests of crores of Indian mobile and internet users. This decision is a targeted move to ensure safety and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace," announced Ministry of Electronics and IT on Monday.

"The Ministry of Information Technology, invoking it’s power under section 69A of the Information Technology Act read with the relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules 2009 and in view of the emergent nature of threats has decided to block 59 apps since in view of the information available they are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order," the press release issued by govt said.

Among the apps that have banned are Tik Tok, SHarit, Kwai, UC Browser, Baidu map, Shein, clash of Kings, DU battery saver, Helo, Likee, YouCam makeup, Mi Community, CM Browsers, Virus Cleaner, Apus Browser, among others.

List of Chinese apps that are now blocked in India

Chinese apps
According to reports, on June 17, Indian intelligence agencies reportedly asked the Narendra Modi government to block or issue advisories against the use of over 50 mobile apps that are linked to China. The agencies are concerned that these apps extract huge amounts of data from Indian users, and aren’t safe to use.

Some popular Chinese apps like Tik Tok, SHarit, Kwai, UC Browser have already shown a dip in download after the cross border tension.

The Indian app economy is valuable to China with more than 800 million smartphone users eager and willing to lap up content on their devices.

(With inputs from agencies)