The Ministry of Information Technology, which relies on its competence under Article 69A of the Information Technology Law, read with the relevant provisions of the Information Technology Rules (procedure and safeguards to block access of information by the public) 2009 and given the emerging nature of threats, has decided to block 59 apps (see appendix) because, given the available information, they are engaged in activities that undermine the sovereignty and integrity of India, the defense of India, the security of the state and public order.
In recent years, India has become a leading innovator when it comes to technological advancement and a primary market in the digital space.
At the same time, there are furious concerns about aspects of data security and protecting the privacy of 130 crore Indians. It has recently been noted that such concerns also threaten the sovereignty and security of our country. The Department of Information Technology has received many complaints from various sources, including several reports of the misuse of some mobile apps available on Android and iOS platforms for unauthorized stealing and user data transfer to servers with locations outside of India . Collecting this data, collecting it and profiling it through elements hostile to India’s national security and defense, which ultimately harms India’s sovereignty and integrity, is a matter of deep and immediate concern that requires emergency action.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center, Ministry of the Interior has also sent an exhaustive recommendation to block these malicious apps. The ministry has also received many responses from citizens who raise concerns about data security and the risk to privacy in the operation of certain apps. The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) has also received many citizen statements on data security and privacy issues affecting public policy issues. Likewise, there have been similar two-fold concerns signaled by various public representatives, both outside and within the Parliament of India. There has been a strong chorus in public space to take strict action against apps that harm India’s sovereignty and the privacy of our citizens.
Based on this and after receiving recent credible input that such apps are a threat to India’s sovereignty and integrity, the Government of India has decided to restrict the use of certain apps, which are used on both mobile and non-mobile internet-enabled devices, not allow. . These apps are listed in the attached appendix.
This move will protect the interests of the crores of Indian mobile and internet users. This decision is a targeted move to ensure the security and sovereignty of the Indian cyberspace.
(With inputs from PIB)
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