by Banned Apps : The Indian government has taken a strict stance on cybersecurity by banning 119 apps that are reportedly linked to China and Hong Kong. These apps include several voice and video chat platforms, along with gaming and social media applications**. Authorities believe that these apps pose a potential risk to **user data security and national integrity**.
Government’s Ongoing Crackdown on Apps
This is not the first time India has banned foreign apps over security concerns. In 2020, the government took a major step by banning TikTok, ShareIt, UC Browser, and several other Chinese apps, citing national security threats. Following this, more apps were blocked in 2021 and 2022, though in smaller numbers. The latest ban is imposed under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, which allows the government to block access to apps and websites deemed a security risk.
Notable Apps Affected by the Ban
Among the 119 banned apps, some key names have emerged, including:
ChillChat: A Singapore-based video chat and gaming app, developed by the Mangostarr team.
ChangApp: A Chinese-developed application that gained popularity among Indian users.
Honeycam – A video chat app operated by Australian company Shellin PTY Ltd.
Are Some Banned Apps Still Available?
Despite the ban, reports indicate that only 15 of the 119 apps have been removed from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store** so far. The remaining apps are still **available for download**, raising questions about the implementation process.
Lack of Official Clarification
So far, the **Indian government has not released an official statement regarding the ban. However, details surfaced through the **Lumen Database**, which tracks content removal requests from various governments. More information about the complete list of banned apps and the specific reasons behind the ban is expected to be revealed soon.
The impact of this ban on Indian users remains uncertain, but the move reinforces India’s commitment to **strengthening digital security and protecting user data from potential cyber threats**. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
