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NEW DELHI: The government crackdown on Chinese apps continues, with the information and technology ministry banning 47 new apps. The move comes nearly a month after the ban on 59 Chinese apps, taking the total number of mobile applications blocked to 106.
The new apps include clones and different versions of some of the original apps, official sources said, adding that action may soon be taken against more Chinese apps operating in India.
About a month ago, Chinese apps such as TikTok, UC Browser, Helo, Likee, Shareit, Mi Community, WeChat and CamScanner were banned by the central government for “engaging in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order”.
The fresh ban included CamScanner HD, and lighter versions of censored apps such as Likee, Bigo Live, and Helo, among others.
Other apps with Chinese bearings may be under lens
The reason remains the same as was given previously. The IT ministry had received a direction from the home ministry for this action, and after this it was decided to act against them,” a source said, adding the order was issued on Friday.
It is believed that the government is closely scrutinising other apps that have Chinese bearings. These include top gaming app PUBG (by Chinese internet giant Tencent) and AliExpress (by Alibaba group).
Among other reasons, the government is concerned about the data collection and data harvesting practices of these apps and feels that these processes may be prejudicial to the security of the country.
The government has so far sent a long list of questions to Chinese app developers. Many of the companies are yet to respond to the questionnaire.
In Video:Government blocks 47 more apps, after previous ban on 59 Chinese apps
The new apps include clones and different versions of some of the original apps, official sources said, adding that action may soon be taken against more Chinese apps operating in India.
About a month ago, Chinese apps such as TikTok, UC Browser, Helo, Likee, Shareit, Mi Community, WeChat and CamScanner were banned by the central government for “engaging in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order”.
The fresh ban included CamScanner HD, and lighter versions of censored apps such as Likee, Bigo Live, and Helo, among others.
Other apps with Chinese bearings may be under lens
The reason remains the same as was given previously. The IT ministry had received a direction from the home ministry for this action, and after this it was decided to act against them,” a source said, adding the order was issued on Friday.
It is believed that the government is closely scrutinising other apps that have Chinese bearings. These include top gaming app PUBG (by Chinese internet giant Tencent) and AliExpress (by Alibaba group).
Among other reasons, the government is concerned about the data collection and data harvesting practices of these apps and feels that these processes may be prejudicial to the security of the country.
The government has so far sent a long list of questions to Chinese app developers. Many of the companies are yet to respond to the questionnaire.
In Video:Government blocks 47 more apps, after previous ban on 59 Chinese apps
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