(The Gist of PIB) Government Bans 59 mobile apps

[July-2020]

Government of India has banned 59 apps originating from China, including very popular ones like the short video platform TikTok, UC Browser, file sharing app ShareIt, and CamScanner etc.

The ban has been enforced by The Ministry of Information Technology by invoking it’s power under section 69A of the Information Technology Act and the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules 2009.
Title of Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 is “Power to issue directions for blocking for public access of any information through any computer resource”.
The ministry has said, these Apps are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.
The notification is expected to be followed by instructions to Internet service providers to block these apps. Users are likely to soon see a message saying access to the apps has been restricted on the request of the government.
This action could be a warning to bigger Chinese businesses in India, and to China itself.