India finally bans TikTok, UC Browser and 59 more apps that are owned by China
We previously reported Indian intelligence agencies had asked the government to block or advise people to stop the use of 53 mobile applications linked to China over concerns that these weren’t safe and ended up extracting a large amount of data outside India. A Breaking News just came in now that the Indian government has banned a list of 59 Chinese apps that are being used on a daily bases by Indian Citizens. As tensions along the border continue to simmer between Indian and China, the Narendra Modi government has decided to ban 59 Chinese apps, including many popular ones.
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, the security of state and public order.
The government press release stated
According to the National Security Council with further plans to assess the risk associated with each app. A potential concern is that the apps not just leak data, but might also be used to degrade network conditions in case of conflict.
Below is the list of all apps that Indian government banned:
- TikTok
- Shareit
- Kwai
- UC Browser
- Baidu map
- Shein
- Clash of Kings
- DU battery saver
- Helo
- Likee
- YouCam makeup
- Mi Community
- Browers
- Virus Cleaner
- APUS Browser
- ROMWE
- Club Factory
- Newsdog
- Beutry Plus
- UC News
- QQ Mail
- 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 Vide 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
All the above-listed apps are still available for download on the Google play store, it is not yet known how the Indian government will go further with the ban.
To stay updated on tech and cybersecurity news stay tuned at Android Rookies by subscribing to our newsletter from here.
