Amid continuing standoff and border tension with China in Eastern Ladakh since May, the  Indian government on Tuesday announced a new list of apps that it wants blocked under the Information Technology Act.

These apps are in addition to hundreds of other apps that have been  previously banned by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)) government over security apprehensions.

The common thread of all these apps is their Chinese origin over which the government appears concerned.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued an order under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act blocking access to 43 mobile apps. The action by the Ministry was taken on the basis of the inputs regarding these apps for engaging in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order. The Ministry has issued the order for blocking the access to these apps by users in India based on the comprehensive reports received from Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center, Ministry of Home Affairs.

Earlier on June 29, 2020, the Government of India had blocked access to 59 mobile apps and on September 2 this year, 118 more apps were banned under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. Government is committed to protecting the interests of citizens and sovereignty and integrity of India on all fronts and it shall take all possible steps to ensure that. Here is the list of Apps which have been blocked 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

Vinay Kumar is senior journalist and represents newsnextbd.com in India

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