The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology today started the procedure to ban and block 138 betting apps and 94 loan lending apps with Chinese connections as part of its ongoing campaign to combat Chinese apps. The significant action comes after India blocked hundreds of Chinese apps two years ago due to security concerns. Following communication from the Ministry of Home Affairs, it stated that it has begun the process to block the apps with Chinese links on an “urgent” and “emergency” basis.
The action was taken after it was established that these apps fall under Section 69 of the IT Act. According to reports, they contain “material which is prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India.” Advisory released by the Ministry of I & B, since betting and gambling are prohibited in the majority of the country. Advertisements for these betting platforms and their substitutes are also prohibited by the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 2019. These apps can be used for espionage and propaganda. As well as pose a security risk to the data of Indian citizens. They frequently display predatory behavior to trap people in massive debt.
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Government officials claimed that these apps were ostensibly collecting sensitive user data and asking for necessary permissions. According to reports, servers in the hostile country are receiving and misusing the acquired data. The section gives the government the authority to censor any content in the interest of maintaining public order. State security, foreign relations, or the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. Onmyoji Arena, Onmyoji Chess, AppLock, Dual Space Lite, Beauty Camera: Sweet Selfie HD, Equalizer & Bass Booster, CamCard for SalesForce Entertainment, Isoland 2: Ashes of Time Lite, Viva Video Editor, Tencent Xriver, and others were among the apps.
