Govt blocks 43 more mobile phone apps

Why the action

These apps were engaging in activities prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 24

The government today blocked access to 43 more mobile phone apps, including Alibaba Workbench, AliExpress, Alipay Cashier, CamCard and WeDate, for being prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity and defence of the nation. Sources, meanwhile, said these apps have Chinese links.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said, “The 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, security of state and public order.”

It said the order was based on the reports received from Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre of the Union Home Ministry.

On June 29, the government had blocked access to 59 mobile apps. Again on September 2, 118 more apps were banned under Section 69A of the IT Act.

“The 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,” said an official press note.