Dimapur, Nov. 24 (EMN): The ministry of electronics and information technology, government of India today issued an order effectively banning 43 mobile apps in India. According to an official press release, these 43 mobile applications were engaged in “activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.”
The latest ban on mobile apps is the third time that the Indian government has issued such an order. Earlier on June 29, 2020, the Government of India had blocked access to 59 mobile apps and on September 2, 2020, 118 more apps were banned under section 69A of the Information Technology Act. The total number of mobile apps banned by the government of India has now risen to 220.
The official press release from the government states that latest the ban on 43 mobile apps is “based on the comprehensive reports received from Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, Ministry of Home Affairs.”
Among the banned mobile apps include AliExpress, a popular online shopping service. This latest ban will be a huge blow to Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group who owns AliExpress. In addition to AliExpress, the ban also includes other Alibaba owned apps like Alipay Cashier, AliSuppliers Mobile App and Alibaba Workbench.