Citing security reasons, the Indian government had banned 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, Shein, CamScanner, SHAREit, and UC Browser amongst others almost a month ago. While the country was debating whether it was a powerful move or not, Indian journalist Arnab Goswami gave an exuberant monologue about the ban. But there are still many more Chinese apps that are currently under the scanner for users’ privacy violations.
As per a report in The Indian Express, The Information and Technology Ministry banned 47 more Chinese apps which operated as clones of the apps banned in June. The source says, “The problem is with the operational ethics of certain apps. This is an ongoing process. If apps qualify under the same grounds of operational ethics, then they will also come under the scanner.” These include Tiktok Lite, Helo Lite, SHAREit Lite, BIGO LIVE Lite, and VFY Lite.
Despite the action the government took last month, the previously-banned 59 apps were found to be operating via these clone versions. All of these have been reportedly taken down from the app stores. The complete list of these 47 banned clone apps will be released soon.
Moreover, the government has also prepared another list of over 275 other Chinese apps, which could potentially include popular gaming app PUBG Mobile and other apps linked to Alibaba for reportedly sharing Indian user data with Chinese agencies, reports Economic Times. Other apps that are also under the scanner include Meitu, LBE Tech, Perfect Corp, Sina Corp, Netease Games, Yoozoo Global, etc. The government is yet to release further details pertaining to the development.
What do you think of this decision? Tell us!