India imposes ban on 59 Chinese apps
The Indian government has surprisingly banned 59 Chinese mobile apps in a recent turn of events. These apps are no longer available for use to the Indian citizens in India. The category of apps banned ranges from social media platforms, browsers, fashion apps, camera apps, and more. ShareIT, UC browser, and shopping app Club Factory are among the other prominent apps that have been blocked amid rising tensions between India and China following clashes at the border two weeks ago. Some controversial apps, like TikTok, Helo, and WeChat, have also been banned.
The government said in a press release late on Monday that “to counter the threat posed by these applications to the sovereignty and security of India, they have been banned.” ShareIT, UC browser, and shopping app Club Factory are among the other prominent apps that have been blocked amid rising tensions between India and China following clashes at the border two weeks ago.
The government justified the ban by saying, “These applications are engaged in activities “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, the security of the state and public order.” The ban has been imposed under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act read with relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules 2009. The government also cited complaints about data on Indian users being transferred to spy agencies.”
How many Chinese apps are there in India?
There are countless apps available on the play store. Many of these apps are of Chinese origin. Indians are fans of these apps, and some are unknowingly using these Chinese apps. Many popular apps like Tik Tok makes a contributor to the list of over 500+ apps that are Chinese and used by Indians. Many people also confuse USA based apps like Zoom and Google Hangouts to be of Chinese origin. But awareness will help the common man identify apps for their and the country’s best interest.
Why India banned Chinese apps?
The Indian government has been dogging the controversial aspect of China as tension arose between the two nations. India, according to tabloids, is suggesting that Chinese products and services are not emphasized. They don’t explicitly mention this narrative but have been pushing the Make in India and Make for India campaigns. The latest addition was that of Atma Nirbhar Bharat. It is accepted well by the Indian citizens. The removal of these Chinese apps has opened a new market for Indian software companies. Where it a loss for some, it is a win for some too.
“These apps have been there for a long time, and there are some privacy and security issues with them, including risks of data going out of the country,” sources of top government officials quote.
The official clarifies it is not making direct shots at people of other countries per se (China), but the message is received among Indians likewise. Do critiques also ask that just by banning apps, is the government solving all problems?
The statement from the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) said: “it had received complaints from various sources, including several reports about the misuse of some mobile apps for stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users data.”
Which Chinese apps have been banned?
We are mentioning the list of a total of 59 apps that stand illegal to use anymore.
- TikTok
- Share it
- Kwai
- UC Browser
- Baidu map
- Shein
- Clash of Kings
- DU battery saver
- Helo
- Likee
- YouCam makeup
- Mi Community
- CM Browser
- Virus Cleaner
- APUS Browser
- ROMWE
- Club Factory
- News dog
- Beauty Plus
- UC News
- QQ Mail
- Xender
- QQ Music
- QQ News Feed
- Bigo Live
- SelfieCity
- Mail Master
- Parallel Space
- Mi Video Call – Xiaomi
- WeSync
- ES File Explorer
- Viva Video – QU Video Inc
- Meitu
- Vigo Video
- New Vide
- 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
List Source: PIB India
What does the ban on Chinese apps mean for Indians?
The ban on Chinese applications came as no surprise. It was speculated that some countermeasures would be taken to suppress the rising revolt-like voices of the Indian citizens. In simple words, these apps will now not be available for download on the Google Play Store or Apple App store or any other store for the geographical location of India. Bypassing the norms, and downloading these apps will result in lawful actions against a user.
Conclusion:
The Indian government has banned 59 Chinese apps in India. The said measures have been taken to protect the integrity of the citizens from the violation. The apps were questionable with allegations of bypassing security and trading private information of users to Chinese (and other countries) spy agencies. The ban prohibits Indians from downloading these apps in any form whatsoever and is advised to look for alternative applications. Indians have now resorted to promoting and using Indian apps.
Am using MI phone so sad