New Delhi: The Narendra Modi government on Tuesday issued an order blocking access to 43 mobile apps, most of which appear to be of Chinese-origin or have links to Chinese technology companies.
The latest order includes apps such as Alibaba’s AliExpress, a popular e-commerce platform that has nevertheless managed to keep a relatively low profile in India.
As with the earlier rounds of app bans – one on June 29 (when 59 apps were blocked) and on September 2 (when 118 more apps were blocked) – the government has relied on Section 69A of the Information Technology Act as the legal basis for its actions.
“This action was taken based on the inputs regarding these apps for engaging in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order,” a government statement issued on Tuesday evening said.
“Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has issued the order for blocking the access of these apps by users in India based on the comprehensive reports received from Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center, Ministry of Home Affairs.”
The government’s statement, like past ones, does not mention China, but has been widely seen as part of the Centre’s strategy in retaliating against Beijing’s recent military aggression in eastern Ladakh.
A full list of apps that have been blocked for access in today’s order is as follows:
- AliSuppliers Mobile App
- Alibaba Workbench
- AliExpress – Smarter Shopping, Better Living
- Alipay Cashier
- Lalamove India – Delivery App
- Drive with Lalamove India
- Snack Video
- CamCard – Business Card Reader
- CamCard – BCR (Western)
- Soul- Follow the soul to find you
- Chinese Social – Free Online Dating Video App & Chat
- Date in Asia – Dating & Chat For Asian Singles
- WeDate-Dating App
- Free dating app-Singol, start your date!
- Adore App
- TrulyChinese – Chinese Dating App
- TrulyAsian – Asian Dating App
- ChinaLove – Dating app for Chinese singles
- DateMyAge – Chat, Meet, Date Mature Singles Online
- AsianDate – Find Asian singles
- FlirtWish – Chat with singles
- Guys Only Dating – Gay chat
- Tubit – Live Streams
- WeWorkChina
- First Love Live
- Rela – Lesbian Social Network
- Cashier Wallet
- MangoTV
- MGTV – HunanTV official TV APP
- WeTV – TV version
- WeTV – Cdrama, Kdrama&More
- WeTV Lite
- Lucky Live – Live Video Streaming App
- Taobao Live
- DingTalk
- Identity V
- Isoland 2 – Ashes of Time
- BoxStar (Early Access)
- Heroes Evolved
- Happy Fish
- Jellipop Match – Decorate your dream island!
- Munchkin Match – Magic home building
- Conquista Online II