Banning of 59 Chinese applications by the Union government has served the twin purpose of teaching a lesson to the neighbouring country for its violent acts and providing a fillip to homegrown tech firms.
India on Monday banned 59 apps with Chinese links, including hugely popular TikTok and UC Browser, saying they were prejudicial to sovereignty, integrity and security of the country.
The ban, which comes in the backdrop of ongoing stand-off with China along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, is also applicable for WeChat and Bigo Live.
While Chinese tech companies are obviously shocked after the Indian government banned 59 Chinese apps over national security concerns, desi app developers have hailed the move, saying this will help the Indian app ecosystem prosper.
“Upon receiving recent credible inputs that such apps pose threat to sovereignty and integrity of India, the government of India has decided to disallow the usage … both [on] mobile and non-mobile Internet-enabled devices,” the Ministry of Electronics and IT (Meity) said in a statement.
According to the Ministry, it was invoking its power under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act read with the relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009.
“… in view of the emergent nature of threats, [the government] has decided to block 59 apps … in view of information available [that] they are engaged in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order,” the government said.
The decision was necessary as it will strengthen India’s security, sovereignty and integrity. People should be motivated to be vocal for local. Instead of buying foreign products, we all should emphasise to buy products made in India, which can further strengthen the economy of the country.