Govt denies passing order to block Chinese apps from Google Play, App Store

A message has been circulating on social media claiming that the National Informatics Centre under the Ministry of Electronics and IT has issued an order instructing the restriction of certain Chinese apps on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The government has clarified that the order is fake and no such instructions have been given to Google or Apple.

The message says that the government of India has directed the regional executive and representatives of Google and Apple to “restrict the functioning of Chinese applications from the respective stores with immediate effect”. These apps include TikTok, VMate, Vigo Video, LiveMe, Bigo Live, Beauty Plus, CamScanner, Club Factory, Shein, Romwe, and AppLock.