technology

India Govt Bans 54 Chinese Apps On Security Concerns

New Delhi: The government of Indi has banned 54 chinese apps, citing security concerns, news agency ANi reported on Monday.

The apps banned by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology include those belongings to large China tech firms such as Tencent, Alibaba,NetEase, including Sea Ltd's marquee Game Free Fire and rebranded versions of apps already banned by India in 2020.

The Ministry will formally issue a notification banning the operations of these apps in India. The 54 Chinese apps includes Beauty Camera:Sweet Selfie HD, Beauty Camera - Selfie Camera, Equalizer & Bass Booster, CamCard for SalesForce Ent, Isoland 2: Ashes of Time Lite, Viva Video Editor, Tencent Xriver, Onmyoji Chess, Onmyoji Arena, AppLock, Dual Space Lite. Free Fire, the battle royale shooter often compared with PUBG, is among the world’s most popular mobile games with more than a billion downloads on Google Play.

In November 2020, the Centre issued an order under section 69A of the IT Act blocking access to 43 mobile apps. It said this action was taken based on the inputs regarding these apps for engaging in activities that are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state and public order.

Earlier on 29th June 2020, India had blocked access to 59 mobile apps and on 2nd September 118 more apps were banned under section 69A of the IT Act. Last year, India banned hundreds of Chinese apps including PUBG Mobile, TikTok, Weibo, WeChat, AliExpress.