The Indian government has banned 59 Chinese mobile applications that include TikTok, Shareit, Club Factory, and Shein shopping and many more. On ban was ordered citing threat to the country’s sovereignty and security by these apps. The ongoing tension between India and China after a deadly clash between the militaries at the LAC border further added the fuel to #BoycottChina sentiment in the country.
The Central Government took the decision under section 69A of the IT Act with the relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules 2009. Many of the Chinese apps have been under scanner internationally over data theft and user data privacy concens.
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The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said, “We were informed of the theft of users’ data via mobile apps from multiple sources and reports, and data transfer without permission to servers located outside India. Since it strikes the sovereignty and integrity of India, immediate action is required.”
How the ban will be implemented
The government has direct internet service providers (ISP) and app markets to ban the listed 59 mobile apps. All these apps have been removed by Google from Playstore in India and by Apple in AppStore in India.
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The Ministry of Electronics & IT said in a press release, ”This move will safeguard the interests of crores of Indian mobile and internet users. This decision is a targeted move to ensure the safety and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace.”
However, the government has invited the app providers to respond with clarification on which a committee will recommend whether to remove the ban or continue it. TikTok India head Nikhil Gandhi said, “We have been invited to meet with concerned government stakeholders for an opportunity to respond and submit clarifications.”
