Government Blocks 118 Chinese Apps Citing Security Concerns

Indian Government Blocks 118 Chinese Apps Citing Security Concerns

In a major move to protect national security, the Indian government recently banned 118 more mobile applications, including the popular game PUBG. This action, taken under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, is aimed at safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of India. The ban also addresses concerns over the defense of India and public order. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) made this decision citing potential threats that these apps posed to the country's security.

Why the Ban?

The ban on these apps was initiated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, invoking its authority under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. The government highlighted that these apps were allegedly involved in activities that compromised the sovereignty, integrity, and defense of India. Given the sensitive nature of the threats identified, the decision to block access to these apps was seen as necessary to maintain national security and public order.

The List of Banned Apps

The ban covers a wide range of applications, from popular gaming apps to utility and business-related apps. Some of the most notable apps included in this list are:

1. APUS Launcher Pro - Theme, Live Wallpapers, Smart
2. APUS Launcher -Theme, Call Show, Wallpaper, HideApps
3. APUS Security -Antivirus, Phone security, Cleaner
4. APUS Turbo Cleaner 2020- Junk Cleaner, Anti-Virus
5. APUS Flashlight-Free & Bright
6. Cut Cut – Cut Out & Photo Background Editor
7. Baidu
8. Baidu Express Edition
9. FaceU – Inspire your Beauty
10. ShareSave by Xiaomi: Latest gadgets, amazing deals
11. CamCard – Business Card Reader
12. CamCard Business
13. CamCard for Salesforce
14. CamOCR
15. InNote
16. VooV Meeting – Tencent Video Conferencing
17. Super Clean – Master of Cleaner, Phone Booster
18. WeChat reading
19. Government WeChat
20. Small Q brush
21. Tencent Weiyun
22. Pitu
23. WeChat Work
24. Cyber Hunter
25. Cyber Hunter Lite
26. Knives Out-No rules, just fight!
27. Super Mecha Champions
28. LifeAfter
29. Dawn of Isles
30. Ludo World-Ludo Superstar
31. Chess Rush
32. PUBG MOBILE Nordic Map: Livik
33. PUBG MOBILE LITE
34. Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade
35. Art of Conquest: Dark Horizon
36. Dank Tanks
37. Warpath
38. Game of Sultans
39. Gallery Vault – Hide Pictures And Videos
40. Smart AppLock (App Protect)
41. Message Lock (SMS Lock)-Gallery Vault Developer Team
42. Hide App-Hide Application Icon
43. AppLock
44. AppLock Lite
45. Dual Space – Multiple Accounts & App Cloner
46. ZAKZAK Pro – Live chat & video chat online
47. ZAKZAK LIVE: live-streaming & video chat app
48. Music – Mp3 Player
49. Music Player – Audio Player & 10 Bands Equalizer
50. HD Camera Selfie Beauty Camera
51. Cleaner – Phone Booster
52. Web Browser & Fast Explorer
53. Video Player All Format for Android
54. Photo Gallery HD & Editor
55. Photo Gallery & Album
56. Music Player – Bass Booster – Free Download
57. HD Camera – Beauty Cam with Filters & Panorama
58. HD Camera Pro & Selfie Camera
59. Music Player – MP3 Player & 10 Bands Equalizer
60. Gallery HD
61. Web Browser – Fast, Privacy & Light Web Explorer
62. Web Browser – Secure Explorer
63. Music player – Audio Player
64. Video Player – All Format HD Video Player
65. Lamour Love All Over The World
66. Amour- video chat & call all over the world.
67. MV Master – Make Your Status Video & Community
68. MV Master – Best Video Maker & Photo Video Editor
69. APUS Message Center-Intelligent management
70. LivU Meet new people & Video chat with strangers
71. Carrom Friends : Carrom Board & Pool Game
72. Ludo All Star- Play Online Ludo Game & Board Games
73. Bike Racing : Moto Traffic Rider Bike Racing Games
74. Rangers Of Oblivion : Online Action MMO RPG Game
75. Z Camera – Photo Editor, Beauty Selfie, Collage
76. GO SMS Pro – Messenger, Free Themes, Emoji
77. U-Dictionary: Oxford Dictionary Free Now Translate
78. Ulike – Define your selfie in trendy style
79. Tantan – Date For Real
80. MICO Chat: New Friends Banaen aur Live Chat karen
81. Kitty Live – Live Streaming & Video Live Chat
82. Malay Social Dating App to Date & Meet Singles
83. Alipay
84. AlipayHK
85. Mobile Taobao
86. Youku
87. Road of Kings- Endless Glory
88. Sina News
89. Netease News
90. Penguin FM
91. Murderous Pursuits
92. Tencent Watchlist (Tencent Technology
93. Learn Chinese AI-Super Chinese
94. HUYA LIVE – Game Live Stream
95. Little Q Album
96. Fighting Landlords – Free and happy Fighting Landlords
97. Hi Meitu
98. Mobile Legends: Pocket
99. VPN for TikTok
100. VPN for TikTok
101. Penguin E-sports Live assistant
102. Buy Cars-offer everything you need, special offers and low prices
103. iPick
104. Beauty Camera Plus – Sweet Camera & Face Selfie
105. Parallel Space Lite – Dual App
106. “Chief Almighty: First Thunder BC
107. MARVEL Super War NetEase Games
108. AFK Arena
109. Creative Destruction NetEase Games
110. Crusaders of Light NetEase Games
111. Mafia City Yotta Games
112. Onmyoji NetEase Games
113. Ride Out Heroes NetEase Games
114. Yimeng Jianghu-Chu Liuxiang has been fully upgraded
115. Legend: Rising Empire NetEase Games
116. Arena of Valor: 5v5 Arena Games
117. Soul Hunters
118. Rules of Survival

The complete list features a total of 118 apps, ranging from gaming platforms and social networking apps to utility tools like VPNs and browsers. These applications were predominantly of Chinese origin, which has further fueled the ongoing concerns about data privacy and security.

Security and Data Privacy Concerns

The government's decision to ban these apps stems from growing concerns over data privacy and potential misuse of personal information. Many of these apps were found to collect and share sensitive user data without adequate security measures. This poses a risk not only to individual privacy but also to the nation's security. The move is part of a broader strategy to secure India's cyberspace from potential threats that could be exploited by foreign entities.

What This Means for Users

For millions of users in India, this ban means that they will no longer have access to these popular apps. Users are advised to uninstall these applications from their devices and avoid using them to ensure their personal data remains secure. Alternative apps and services that comply with Indian regulations are recommended for users looking to replace these banned apps.

Summary 

The Indian government's decision to ban 118 Chinese apps is a significant step towards securing the nation's digital infrastructure. By blocking apps that may pose a threat to national security, India aims to create a safer digital environment for its citizens. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for both users and developers to prioritize security and data privacy to safeguard the integrity of India's cyberspace.

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