India bans 59 Chinese apps, including TikTok, ShareIt, UC Browser

As tensions along the border continue, the Government of India has decided to ban Chinese apps diverting data and those with privacy issues.

Government has announced a ban on 59 such Chinese apps, including Tik Tok. Government has decided to disallow the usage of these apps both in mobile and non-mobile Internet-enabled devices.

A government press release announcing the ban stated: "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 information available they are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order".

The press release further said that the Ministry of Information Technology has received "many representations raising concerns from citizens regarding security of data and risk to privacy relating to operation of certain apps".

"The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) has also received many representations from citizens regarding security of data and breach of privacy impacting upon public order issues," the press release mentioned.

It further says that the move to ban these Chinese apps 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, it said....(Read more)

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