Centre bans 43 mobile apps over security concerns

The Centre on Tuesday issued an order to block access to 43 mobile applications in the country citing their engagement in activities “which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order”, a PIB release said.

Among the apps that have been blocked, several are Chinese-owned, four of which are owned by the country’s retail giant, the Alibaba Group.

“Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India on Tuesday issued an order under section 69A of the Information Technology Act blocking access to 43 mobile apps,” the release said.