In yet another significant move by the Indian government, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has on Tuesday imposed a ban on 43 mobile applications.
The action has been taken under section 69A of the Information Technology Act, for engaging in activities which are “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of the country, defense, security of state and public order”.
“Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, 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, defense of India, security of state and public order,” stated a government press release.
“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,” the Central Government added while citing that the decision to ban the apps was taken following comprehensive reports from Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre of the Ministry of Home Affairs
The 43 applications which have been banned include – AliSuppliers Mobile App, Alibaba Workbench, AliExpress – Smarter Shopping, Better Living, Alipay Cashier, Lalamove India – Delivery App, Drive with Lalamove India, Snack Video, CamCard – Business Card Reader, CamCard – BCR (Western), Soul- Follow the soul to find you, Chinese Social – Free Online Dating Video App & Chat, Date in Asia – Dating & Chat For Asian Singles, WeDate-Dating App, Free dating app-Singol, start your date!, Adore App, TrulyChinese – Chinese Dating App, TrulyAsian – Asian Dating App, ChinaLove: dating app for Chinese singles, DateMyAge: Chat, Meet, Date Mature Singles Online, AsianDate: find Asian singles, FlirtWish: chat with singles, Guys Only Dating: Gay Chat, Tubit: Live Streams, WeWorkChina, First Love Live- super hot live beauties live online, Rela – Lesbian Social Network, Cashier Wallet, MangoTV, MGTV-HunanTV official TV APP, WeTV – TV version, WeTV – Cdrama, Kdrama & More, WeTV Lite, Lucky Live-Live Video Streaming App, Taobao Live, DingTalk, Identity V, Isoland 2: Ashes of Time, BoxStar (Early Access), Heroes Evolved, Happy Fish, Jellipop Match-Decorate your dream island!, Munchkin Match: magic home building, Conquista Online II.
Earlier on 29 June 2020, amid tensions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, the Government of India had blocked access to 59 mobile apps. Further, on 2 September 2020, 118 more apps were banned under section 69A of the Information Technology Act. The government stated that it is committed to protecting the interests of citizens, sovereignty and integrity of India on all fronts and it shall take all possible steps to ensure the same.
