Several ‘dodgy’ dating and friendship Chinese apps among those banned by the government

Bengaluru: The latest ban on 118 Chinese apps includes several popular Chinese dating and live-chatting apps, many of which have faced allegations of cheating and cat fishing from users and homegrown competitors.

L’amour, Amour, LivU, Mico Chat, Kitty Live, Malay Social Dating, Zakzak Pro, Zakzak Live, and US-listed Momo Inc’s Tantan app, are in the latest list.

Most of these apps have garnered millions of downloads on Google Play Store in India and make a tidy sum through in-app purchases.

In fact, L’amour was one of the most downloaded dating apps in India in 2019, according to research and analytics firm Sensor Tower. YouTube, as well and Google Play reviews, are full of users complaining about girls gone missing once the men pay for membership.