On June 2, India banned 59 apps developed by Chinese companies saying that they pose a threat to India’s national security. 

The Chinese mobile applications that were banned included top social media platforms and popular browsers that have millions of users in India.

Statement from India about the banned apps

India’s Ministry of Information Technology released a statement, claiming the apps were banned because India had been receiving "many complaints from various sources" about apps that were "stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users' data in an unauthorized manner."

"The compilation of the data, it’s mining, and profiling by elements hostile to national security and defense of India, which ultimately impinges upon the sovereignty and integrity of India, is a matter of very deep and immediate concern which requires emergency measures," the ministry added.

The initial move in June was preceded by escalating tensions along the disputed Indian-Chinese border at the time. India and China both deployed troops to the Ladakh region. At least 20 Indian troops died in clashes. It's been reported that satellite images show that on the Chinese side new structures have been built overlooking the Himalayan border region.

The list grows 

India’s Ministry of Electronics and IT announced a order of 47 apps they announced on July 28. This appears to be aimed at those apps that enabled access to previously banned services such as TikTok and Cam Scanner. 

The government is said to be considering banning a total of 275 apps for possible violations of national security and user privacy. Other major apps, including PubG, were also said to be on the list that may be banned by India soon. 

The Economic Times reported on July 28 that Apple Inc and Google had been directed to remove the banned apps from the App Store and the Play Store where Indians will no longer have access to them.

The research firm Kantar estimated that both Facebook’s marquee service and Instagram, which launched its Reels feature in India earlier this month, have seen a 30% increase in user engagements.

--------------------------------------------------

Have a story you want USA Herald to cover? Submit a tip here and if we think it's newsworthy, we'll follow up on it.

Want guaranteed coverage? We also offer contract journalism here.  Just be sure you're comfortable giving up editorial control, because our journalists are dogged and will follow the story through to it's conclusion. The story will be published to our exacting standards, without regard for your preferred slant.

Want to contribute a story? We also accept article submissions -- check out our writer's guidelines here.