Government Bans 43 More 'Chinese' Apps in India

The government on Tuesday imposed a fresh ban on as many as 43 mobile apps that have a linkage with China. These apps include AliExpress, CamCard, and Taobao Live, among others. The latest ban comes nearly three months after the government banned popular battle royale game PUBG Mobile, alongside 117 other apps and games that had a link with China. Initially, the government banned 59 Chinese apps that included some of the renowned ones, including TikTok, Shareit, UC Browser, and WeChat.

As per a statement released by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the government has imposed the ban under the provisions of Section 69A of the Information Technology Action.

“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,” the statement said.

The ministry added by saying that it had issued the order for blocking access of these apps by users in the country based on “comprehensive reports received from Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center, Ministry of Home Affairs.” However, the government hasn’t provided any particular details about the issues resulting in the ban of the 43 apps.

In late June, the government blocked access to 59 apps that included TikTok, Shareit, UC Browser, and WeChat among other popular names. That was followed by another ban on about 47 apps that all were mostly the clones or just some different versions of the already banned apps. In early September, the government banned 118 apps and games including PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile Lite.

List of the 43 mobile apps banned by the government:

1. AliSuppliers Mobile App
2. Alibaba Workbench
3. AliExpress – Smarter Shopping, Better Living
4. Alipay Cashier
5. Lalamove India – Delivery App
6. Drive with Lalamove India
7. Snack Video
8. CamCard – Business Card Reader
9. CamCard – BCR (Western)
10. Soul- Follow the soul to find you
11. Chinese Social – Free Online Dating Video App & Chat
12. Date in Asia – Dating & Chat For Asian Singles
13. WeDate-Dating App
14. Free dating app-Singol, start your date!
15. Adore App
16. TrulyChinese – Chinese Dating App
17. TrulyAsian – Asian Dating App
18. ChinaLove: dating app for Chinese singles
19. DateMyAge: Chat, Meet, Date Mature Singles Online
20. AsianDate: find Asian singles
21. FlirtWish: chat with singles
22. Guys Only Dating: Gay Chat
23. Tubit: Live Streams
24. WeWorkChina
25. First Love Live- super hot live beauties live online
26. Rela – Lesbian Social Network
27. Cashier Wallet
28. MangoTV
29. MGTV-HunanTV official TV APP
30. WeTV – TV version
31. WeTV – Cdrama, Kdrama&More
32. WeTV Lite
33. Lucky Live-Live Video Streaming App
34. Taobao Live
35. DingTalk
36. Identity V
37. Isoland 2: Ashes of Time
38. BoxStar (Early Access)
39. Heroes Evolved
40. Happy Fish
41. Jellipop Match-Decorate your dream island！
42. Munchkin Match: magic home building
43. Conquista Online II

Should the government explain why Chinese apps were banned? We discussed this on Orbital, our weekly technology podcast, which you can subscribe to via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or RSS, download the episode, or just hit the play button below.