The Indian government has ordered 119 apps, primarily video and voice chat platforms.
15 out of the 119 apps have been blocked already.
Some of the affected apps also originate from Singapore, the US, the UK, and more.
Back in 2020, India banned many Chinese apps including the likes of TikTok and Shein over national interests. The government has again ordered 119 apps, primarily video and voice chat platforms, that have links to developers in China and Hong Kong to be banned in India. This decision has come under Section 69A of the IT Act. Under this law, the government has the power to restrict access to online content in the interest of national security and public order. This information was disclosed by Google on the Lumen Database, a site tracking content removal requests by governments.
15 out of the 119 apps have been blocked already, while the remaining are still available for download. Some of the affected apps also originate from Singapore, the US, the UK, and Australia, indicating a broader regulatory crackdown beyond just Chinese applications.
In response, several app developers affected by this order have expressed concern over the lack of transparency from the authorities. ChillChat, which is a Singapore-based app with over 1 million downloads, confirmed receiving Google’s notification about a possible ban. A spokesperson from ChillChat stated that this action could negatively impact users and lead to a loss of trust in their service.
Another app, Blom, which has been developed by China-based ChangApp, raised concerns over the lack of guidance from Google. The company fears the move could severely affect its user growth and business operations in India.
Australia-based HoneyCam developer, Shellin PTY Ltd, said that it was committed to following India’s regulatory requirements. The company has a content review mechanism in place and is willing to cooperate with the Indian government to ensure compliance.
However, Google’s disclosure has now been removed from Lumen and now there is no clarity on the enforcement timeline. It remains uncertain when the remaining apps will be blocked.
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Mustafa Khan
Mustafa is a young tech journalist who tells it like it is, cutting through buzzwords to deliver straightforward smartphone reviews. He’s the office go-to for insider tips and quick demos, and his video content doesn’t waste anyone’s time. When he’s off the clock, he geeks out over cars, photography, and hunting down the best spot for Indian food. View Full Profile
