In view of the ongoing tensions along the border, the Indian government has decided to ban Chinese apps that redirect data and apps that have privacy issues.
The government has announced a ban on 59 such Chinese apps, including Tik Tok. The government has decided not to allow the use of these apps on both mobile and non-mobile Internet devices.
According to the Sensorturm report, TikTok quickly passed the 2 billion mark after passing the 1.5 billion mark in the first quarter of 2020. Of the 2 billion, India proved to be the biggest driver with over 611 million downloads. The report showed that the popularity of TikTok was largely due to the coronavirus pandemic. People found TikTok the most entertaining and involved in quarantine.
The Ministry of Information Technology banned 59 mobile apps on June 29 on the grounds that they were engaged in activities that “undermine the sovereignty and integrity of India, India’s defense, national security, and public order.
The list of apps included TikTok, Weibo, and others.
The IT Ministry said it had received many complaints from various sources, including several reports of abuse of some mobile applications available on Android and iOS platforms through unauthorized theft and the transfer of user data to servers located outside India.
“The collection of this data, the collection, and profiling of this data by elements hostile to India’s national security and defence, which ultimately harms India’s sovereignty and integrity, is a matter of very deep and immediate concern that requires immediate action,” the ministry continued in a statement.
In a government press release announcing the ban, it says: “The Ministry of Information Technology, invoking its competence under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, has decided to read the relevant provisions of the Information Technology Regulations (procedures and safeguards for blocking public access to information) “in 2009 and, in view of the emerging threats, to block 59 applications, as they carry out activities which, in the light of the information available, promote the sovereignty and integrity of India, support the defence of India and harm national security and public order”.
The press release further stated that the Ministry of Information Technology “has received many comments that raise concerns among citizens about data security and the risk to privacy when operating certain apps”.
“The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) has also received many comments from citizens on data security and privacy issues that raise public policy concerns,” the press release said.
It further states that the move to ban this Chinese apps movement “will protect the interests of Indian and mobile Internet users”. This decision is a targeted step to ensure the security and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace, the press release said.
TikTok is popular with young people and has the highest number of users in India, followed by China and the US.
TikTok quickly surpassed the 2 billion mark, having passed the 1.5 billion mark in the first quarter of 2020. Of the 2 billion, India proved to be the biggest driver with more than 611 million downloads. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
List of 59 Chinese apps banned by Government
TikTok
Shareit
Kwai
UC Browser
Baidu map
Shein
Clash of Kings
DU battery saver
Helo
Likee
YouCam makeup
Mi Community
CM Browers
Virus Cleaner
APUS Browser
ROMWE
Club Factory
Newsdog
Beutry Plus
WeChat
UC News
QQ Mail
Weibo
Xender
QQ Music
QQ Newsfeed
Bigo Live
SelfieCity
Mail Master
Parallel Space
Mi Video Call Xiaomi
WeSync
ES File Explorer
Viva Video QU Video Inc
Meitu
Vigo Video
New Video Status
DU Recorder
Vault- Hide
Cache Cleaner DU App studio
DU Cleaner
DU Browser
Hago Play With New Friends
Cam Scanner
Clean Master Cheetah Mobile
Wonder Camera
Photo Wonder
QQ Player
We Meet
Sweet Selfie
Baidu Translate
Vmate
QQ International
QQ Security Center
QQ Launcher
U Video
V fly Status Video
Mobile Legends
DU Privacy