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 has 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, defence of India, the security of the state and public order. The MeitY has issued the order for blocking the access to these apps by users in India based on the comprehensive reports received from Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center, Ministry of Home Affairs.
Earlier on June 29, 2020, the Government of India had blocked access to 59 mobile apps and on September 2, 2020 118 more apps were banned under section 69A of the Information Technology Act. Government is committed to protecting the interests of citizens and sovereignty and integrity of India on all fronts and it shall take all possible steps to ensure that.