Chinese applications are once again under scrutiny in India, as the government has issued an order to block approximately 119 apps originating from the region. This move follows a series of bans that have already seen popular platforms like TikTok and ShareIt removed from the Indian digital landscape since 2020. The latest directive from the Ministry indicates a continued effort to regulate the availability of these apps in the country.
Ongoing Challenges for Chinese Apps
According to a report from Moneycontrol, the government’s focus appears to be primarily on video and voice chat applications from China and Hong Kong. While the official count stands at 119 apps targeted for blocking, only 15 have been effectively removed thus far. Over 100 of these applications remain accessible on the Play Store, raising questions about the enforcement of the ban.
Developers affected by this latest order have expressed confusion regarding their inclusion on the list. Many are seeking clarity on why their platforms are perceived as a risk by the Indian government. This uncertainty adds to the ongoing tension surrounding Chinese apps in India, with TikTok being one of the most notable casualties amid the geopolitical strains between the two nations.
The Indian government has consistently cited national security concerns as the rationale behind these bans, invoking IT regulations to justify its actions. As the situation evolves, it appears that this trend of blocking Chinese apps is unlikely to subside in the near future. Google, in compliance with legal requests from the Indian authorities, is compelled to act swiftly, often leading to the immediate removal of these applications from the app store, thereby preventing users from downloading them.
- Location: Delhi, India
