The Narendra Modi government recently added around 54 apps to the ban list. Earlier many applications were banned by the Government of India over security concerns. Major apps banned are of Chinese origin or having Chinese investments. Now, the China has responded to the ban, questioning the Government of India’s move.
Read More: Indian Government explains why it banned so many Chinese apps and why it will keep banning them
India’s strike on Chinese apps
Since the Sino-Indian conflict along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has escalated, New Delhi has found the perfect method to teach China a lesson. In the form of an app ban, New Delhi has found the perfect stick to beat the paper dragon.
The first ban was imposed in June 2020, when 59 Chinese Apps were banned. The row continued, 47 apps were banned in July, 118 apps in September and 43 in November.
Also Read: After Chinese apps ban, Modi Govt to begin crackdown on Chinese influence in Indian education sector
There is no comprehensive list of Chinese apps that can be banned in one go. Hence, the Government of India first handpicks the apps based on the number of downloads, then monitors it relentlessly and then takes required actions.
India adds 54 apps to the ban list
The Indian Government has blocked 54 applications over security concerns. The Modi Government initiated the surgical strike on Chinese apps in June 2020, when 59 apps were blocked. Today, the toll has crossed over 300.
The apps banned recently include Beauty Camera, Applock, Astracraft, Sweet Selfie HD, Viva Video Editor among others. With these Chinese apps, Singaporean App Free Fire was also banned. The reason behind it was heavy Chinese investment in the company Sea Group.
According to the Government of India, the apps were added to the ban list over security concerns. New Delhi believes that user data was being sent via these apps to servers situated in China. New Delhi feared that the data can be mined, collated, analysed and profiled and used for detrimental activities against national security. This also poses threat to the sovereignty and integrity of India.
Read More: India bans TikTok and 58 other Chinese Apps. CCP is riled up. And the World must follow suit
China reacts to App ban
China can’t keep calm after Modi Government’s digital surgical strike. China is banging its head in distress. On Thursday, China issued a reaction stating that India’s step of banning apps can have a negative impact on companies producing the application.
China’s Commerce Ministry’s spokesperson Gao Feng issued a statement stating that an app ban in India could “damage the interest of Chinese companies.”
Gao Feng said, “ The ban damages the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies. For a certain period of time, the relevant Indian departments have been taking several measures to put pressure on Chinese enterprises and related services in the country, which has seriously damaged the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, with China expressing serious concern in this regard.”
Gao expressed concerns over the economic factors involved in banning the apps. Gao insisted that India should take appropriate measures to maintain positive dynamics of economic cooperation between the countries.
Read More: India bans another 54 Chinese apps
China is making noise for no reason. Every nation has the right to protect its national integrity and take all the necessary actions concerned with National security.