Government plans 2nd massive crackdown on Chinese apps: PUBG, Resso, over 250 others under scanner

The Indian government is planning a massive crackdown on Chinese apps, months after blocking 59 apps including big names like TikTok and ShareIt in the country. Multiple news reports have suggested that as many as 257 Chinese apps are under government’s scanner and could face flak soon. The government has prepared a list of apps which it will examine for any user privacy or national security violations. 

The new list includes Alibaba, PUBG, Tencent, Xiaomi and others, signaling the possibility of more Chinese companies being banned in the country. This list not only includes apps by Chinese tech giants including Xiaomi, Tencent, Alibaba and Bytedance, but also developers and companies Meitu, LBE Tech, Perfect Corp, Sina Corp, Netease Games and Yoozoo Global. 

The government had earlier banned 59 apps including TikTok as border tensions continued in Ladakh after a violent, fatal face-off between the Indian and Chinese armies. The government said these apps were engaged in activities that were prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity and defence of India. 

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"The Ministry of Information Technology, invoking it’s 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 and in view of the emergent nature of threats has decided to block 59 apps since in view of information available they are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order,” the statement from government had read.  

It has further banned 47 apps of the Chinese origin in the country. These apps are believed to be operating as clones of earlier banned apps. The list of the 47 Chinese applications will be released soon.