The Indian Government banned 59 prominent Chinese applications on Monday evening. The ban is an attempt to protect the “sovereignty and security” of the country against the threat posed by the applications. The ban includes popular social media platforms like TikTok, WeChat, and Helo. UC browser, ShareIT, and Clubfactory are other prominent applications that have been banned owing to the rising tension between the two populated nations of India and China.
According to the Government, the applications are a part of activities that threaten the defense and nation security of India. The Indian Government also states that there are complaints of data from Indian users going abroad without any authorization. After taking all the aspects into consideration, the Government put forward the ban on the 59 Chinese apps. The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has received a number of complaints stating the misuse of the apps for stealing and transmitting of data of users to outside servers in an unauthorized way.
Recommendation of MHA
According to a press release, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, which is a part of the Ministry of Health Affairs (MHA), sent a recommendation for blocking the apps. The malicious apps raise concerns relating to safeguarding the privacy of the Indian citizens. Such concerns also pose a threat to the national security, defense, and sovereignty of India.
The Internet Freedom Foundation states the existence of the legitimacy of privacy and data security concerns. According to the activist group, achieving it is possible through the regulatory processes. Credible actions are necessary to protect the innovation, liberty, and security interests of the people.
Legally Sound Move
According to the analysts, the move will have a significant impact on Chinese mobile apps. Santosh Pai, who is a partner at Link Legal, states that the ban of Chinese apps is a sound move from the legal perspective. Santosh Pai, who tracks the investments of China in India, said that the move would put economic pressure on China as it heavily relies on the Indian market. It will be interesting to see whether Indian apps will meet the needs or the American apps will take over the market share.
Welcoming Move
InMobi, an ad tech company and the owner of Roposo, a competitor of TikTok, states that the move will open new opportunities for the platform. ShareChat also considers the move of the Indian Government as welcoming. Bolo Indya, who is a rival of TikTok, says that it will benefit largely from the ban. The Indian companies are welcoming the decision of the Indian Government and consider it an opportunity for the Indian apps to prosper. Varun Saxena, the CEO, and Co-founder of Bolo Indya, says it is an opportunity to prioritize data security and Indian culture through Indian apps and deliver optimum value.
