The Indian government on Tuesday released a new list of apps that it wants blocked under the IT Act. These apps join hundreds of other apps that were previously banned by the government over security fears. Besides, the common thing between all of these apps is their Chinese belongingness, which the government has expressed concerns over.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said that the action was taken based on the inputs regarding these apps for engaging in ‘activities that are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.’
The move comes months after the government first blocked access to 59 mobile apps in June 2020 and then extended the ban to 118 more apps in September 2020. This totals to 177 apps. With the latest apps being banned, the total number of apps being banned in India stands at 220.
“Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India today issued an order under section 69A of the Information Technology Act blocking access to 43 mobile apps,” a government statement read.
