Govt blocks 43 more mobile apps 'prejudicial' to India's sovereignty

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, November 24

The Indian government has blocked access to 43 more mobile apps on Tuesday under section 69A of the IT Act.  

Most of them were Chinese operated.

The action has been taken against mobile applications which were involved in activities prejudicial to India's sovereignty, integrity, defence, security and public order.

“Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India today issued an order under section 69A of the Information Technology Act blocking access to 43 mobile apps. This action was taken based on the inputs regarding these apps for engaging in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state, and public order.

“Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has issued the order for blocking the access of these apps by users in India based on the comprehensive reports received from Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center, Ministry of Home Affairs,” a government press release stated.

The latest list of 43 mobile apps include AliSuppliers Mobile App, Alibaba Workbench, AliExpress, Alipay Cashier, CamCard (Business Card Reader), Snack Video, and several dating apps such as WeDate, Chinese Social, TrulyChinese, ChinaLove, DateMyAge, FlirtWish and Guys Only Dating.

Other apps that have been blocked include Tubit, WeWorkChina, First Love Live, Rela, Cashier Wallet, Jellipop Match, Munchkin Match and Happy Fish.

Recalling, that the government on June 29 and September 2 had also banned several apps to protest the sovereignty and integrity of India.

“Earlier on 29th June, 2020, the Government of India had blocked access to 59 mobile apps and on 2nd September, 2020, 118 more apps were banned under section 69A of the Information Technology Act. Government is committed to protect the interests of citizens and sovereignty and integrity of India on all fronts and it shall take all possible steps to ensure that,” the release stated. 

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.