Why Indian Government Banned 89 Apps?
The Indian government recently banned 89 apps, most of which were Chinese-owned, citing concerns of national security. The move has sparked controversy and debate among tech industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the reasons behind the ban.
The Background
The ban comes in the wake of heightened tensions between India and China following a border clash in the Himalayas. The Indian government accused China of violating agreements and unilaterally changing the status quo of the Himalayan border region leading to the killing of 20 Indian soldiers in June 2020. India has been looking for ways to counter Chinese dominance in several sectors, including technology. The Indian government also expressed concern over data security and data privacy issues related to Chinese apps.
The first set of apps banned in Indian in June 2020 included popular apps like TikTok, WeChat, UC Browser, and CamScanner among others. The latest set of apps, which were banned in September 2020, included popular gaming app PUBG, among others.
The Key Concerns
Among the primary concerns cited by the Indian government when banning these apps were issues related to national security and data privacy. The Indian government has claimed that these apps were compromising user data and also engaging in activities that could be seen as potential threats to national security.
There are allegations that these apps, often Chinese-owned, have been collecting user data and transmitting it back to servers in China. With the help of data mining, the Chinese authorities can use this information to influence Indian citizens or to engage in cyberattacks.
Impact on Users and Companies
The ban has caused massive disruptions, especially for users who heavily rely on these apps for their daily needs. The ban also affects many Indian companies that advertised through these platforms, indirectly causing them losses.
The popular game PUBG and other gaming apps, which have a huge user base in India, have also been affected by this ban. WeChat, which is widely used by the Chinese community in India for communication, was another app that was banned.
The Road Ahead
The response to the Indian government’s decision has been mixed. While some users are lamenting the loss of their favorite apps, others are celebrating the crackdown on Chinese-owned technology companies.
There are concerns about the impact this would have on the relationship between India and China. The Chinese media has criticized this policy, calling it discriminatory and protectionist.
Regardless of the broader geopolitical implications, the Indian government has taken a proactive step in safeguarding its citizens’ privacy, data, and national security. Going forward, it will be essential to ensure that new apps and platforms abide by rules and regulations in India in the interest of the country’s safety and security.
Conclusion
The Indian government’s banning of 89 apps, including Chinese-owned ones, was done to safeguard its citizens’ privacy, data, and national security. This decision has caused immense disruptions for users and companies and sparked debate within the tech industry. Moving forward, it will be crucial for new apps and platforms to comply with rules and regulations in India for the country’s safety and security.
