India bans 59 China-based apps including TikTok and WeChat

The Indian Government through the Ministry of Information Technology has imposed a ban on 59 China-based apps which include TikTok, WeChat, UC Browser and Meitu. According to the official press statement, the ban was due to
“emergent nature of threats” in view of information that they are engaged in activities which are “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order.”

Below are the full of apps that are banned by the Indian authorities:

1. TikTok
2. Shareit
3. Kwai
4. UC Browser
5. Baidu map
6. Shein
7. Clash of Kings
8. DU battery saver
9. Helo
10. Likee
11. YouCam makeup
12. Mi Community
13. CM Browers
14. Virus Cleaner
15. APUS Browser
16. ROMWE
17. Club Factory
18. Newsdog
19. Beutry Plus
20. WeChat
21. UC News
22. QQ Mail
23. Weibo
24. Xender
25. QQ Music
26. QQ Newsfeed
27. Bigo Live
28. SelfieCity
29. Mail Master
30. Parallel Space
31. Mi Video Call – Xiaomi
32. WeSync
33. ES File Explorer
34. Viva Video – QU Video Inc
35. Meitu
36. Vigo Video
37. New Video Status
38. DU Recorder
39. Vault- Hide
40. Cache Cleaner DU App studio
41. DU Cleaner
42. DU Browser
43. Hago Play With New Friends
44. Cam Scanner
45. Clean Master – Cheetah Mobile
46. Wonder Camera
47. Photo Wonder
48. QQ Player
49. We Meet
50. Sweet Selfie
51. Baidu Translate
52. Vmate
53. QQ International
54. QQ Security Center
55. QQ Launcher
56. U Video
57. V fly Status Video
58. Mobile Legends
59. DU Privacy

It is believed that the ban was due to tensions between China and India due to a border dispute. At least 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a recent clash with Chinese forces at the Himalayan border. With rising anti-China sentiments, a “Remove China App” had gained popularity in India a few weeks ago but eventually, the app was removed from The Google PlayStore.

TikTok India has tweeted that it is complying with the India Government’s interim order. It added that it has been invited to meet with government stakeholders for an opportunity to respond and to submit its clarification. It stresses that they would continue to comply with all data privacy and security requirements under law. TikTok has also assured that it has not shared any data of Indian users with other foreign governments including India. It is reported that India is the biggest driver for TikTok with 30.3% of its 2 billion downloads coming from India.

According to Reuters, the Chinese government has expressed concern about India’s latest action to ban Chinese apps. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian had told reporters that India has a responsibility to uphold the rights of Chinese businesses.

The Times of India has just reported that India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation at 4pm (6.30pm Malaysian time). He is expected to provide updates on the COVID-19 situation as well as the recent India-China Galwan Valley dispute.

[ SOURCE, VIA ]

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