Chinese digital investments a data security risk, says Gateway House

A top foreign policy think tank in the country has raised ‘data security’ concerns about China-linked investments in India’s digital sector. A report by ‘Gateway House: Indian Council on Global Relations’ says that Chinese linked companies have penetrated deeply into India’s digital echo system and even with small investments they can influence the Indian masses.

“Chinese apps in India ask for 45 per cent more permissions than the number of permissions requested by the top 50 global apps,” the report said citing a study. “Chinese apps represent a challenge to Indian user’s data security as they require vast amounts of personal data; this is usually a bare minimum to provide users access to their interface,” the report said.