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:
- TikTok
- Shareit
- Kwai
- UC Browser
- Baidu map
- Shein
- Clash of Kings
- DU battery saver
- Helo
- Likee
- YouCam makeup
- Mi Community
- CM Browers
- Virus Cleaner
- APUS Browser
- ROMWE
- Club Factory
- Newsdog
- Beutry Plus
- UC News
- QQ Mail
- Xender
- QQ Music
- QQ Newsfeed
- Bigo Live
- SelfieCity
- Mail Master
- Parallel Space
- Mi Video Call – Xiaomi
- WeSync
- ES File Explorer
- Viva Video – QU Video Inc
- Meitu
- Vigo Video
- New Video Status
- DU Recorder
- Vault- Hide
- Cache Cleaner DU App studio
- DU Cleaner
- DU Browser
- Hago Play With New Friends
- Cam Scanner
- Clean Master – Cheetah Mobile
- Wonder Camera
- Photo Wonder
- QQ Player
- We Meet
- Sweet Selfie
- Baidu Translate
- Vmate
- QQ International
- QQ Security Center
- QQ Launcher
- U Video
- V fly Status Video
- Mobile Legends
- 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.
