India strikes at China, digitally – 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, WeChat, Shareit banned

Amid border tension with China, the government on Monday banned 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, WeChat, Shareit, UC Browser, etc. This was done by invoking Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, which empowers the government to block the apps which are engaged in activities prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of the country, its defence, security of state and public order.

FE had reported in its edition dated June 28 that the government has zeroed down on taking action against Chinese Internet apps as a form of retaliation as it feels that banning other Chinese products like mobile phones or components imported from that country which are used across industrial segments, tend to hurt domestic producers who do not favour such moves in the immediate and short-term.