The Indian government banned over 200 applications as part of its “Digital Strike 2.0” initiative in response to the escalating occurrences of loan and finance-related scams and online fraud. These applications were largely connected to China. On Sunday, the procedure to prohibit access to these 138 betting applications and 94 loan lending apps got under way. Concerns about online fraud and criminality, as well as security issues related to the use of Chinese apps and digital platforms, are what led to the major shift.
BBC documentary nothing more than Chinese-inspired initiative
Mahesh Jethmalani, Politician
After receiving a message from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced on Sunday that it had begun the procedure to restrict the apps—most of which had links to China—on a “urgent” and “emergency” basis.
Here is the complete story regarding this digital crackdown in 10 points, as India continues its offensive against Chinese apps:
- Around 230 Chinese apps have been ordered to be banned by India, including 138 betting apps and 94 loan lending apps.
2. According to verified media sources, the action has been taken in accordance with Section 69 of the IT Act because the documents “contain material which is harmful to the sovereignty and integrity of India.”
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3. The action was taken in response to several reports of extortion and harassment of people by online loan and finance apps, most of which were associated with Chinese developers.
4. Most of the states of Telangana, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh as well as the national intelligence agencies requested the banning of these apps.
5. Both the apps and the advertisements are forbidden in India because most of the country forbids betting and gambling.
6. The government has discovered that 94 apps are accessible through online marketplaces and that more apps function via linkages from third parties.
7. According to the warning released by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the operation of these apps within India is prohibited by the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 2019, Cable TV Network Regulation Act 1995, and the IT Rules, 2021.
8. According to media reports, in addition to posing a security risk to Indian citizen data, these apps can be abused as instruments for propaganda and espionage.
9. In accordance with section 69A of the IT Act, India restricted access to 59 mobile apps in June 2020 and 118 more in September.
10. 43 mobile apps, including PUBG Mobile, TikTok, Weibo, WeChat, and AliExpress, were blocked by an order issued by the Centre in November 2020 under section 69A of the IT Act.
In India, a number of apps, including TikTok, Xender, PUBG Mobile Shein, Camscanner, and Garena Free Fire, were outlawed for allegedly gathering sensitive user data and requesting crucial permissions.
According to reports, servers in the hostile country are receiving and misusing the gathered data. It was mandated by the Information Technology Act’s Section 69A.
