Indian government issues an order to ban 119 foreign apps

In consideration of cyber security, the Indian government has directed Google Play Store to ban 119 foreign apps and this is the latest in a series of actions directed towards international applications. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has served this order under Section 69A of IT Act which allows the government to blockade content that violates public order. The apps to be blocked include those related to Singapore, the US, UK, Australia, etc.

As per the reports, video, and voice chat applications comprise the majority of the 119 foreign apps that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has ordered to suspend. This action has an inclination towards violation of public order. Moneycontrol reports that though the order mandated the banning of 119 apps, only 15 have been banned so far and the rest are still accessible through Google Play Store.

From the report, it is indicated that the owners of some of the apps have stated that Google reported regarding this issue to them. They are willing to assist the Indian government in clearing this matter. ChangApp, HoneyCam, and ChillChat are a few of the apps that are getting blocked. The developers state that compliance with the order by the government will greatly affect their business and the customers. At the same time, some people are willing to collaborate with the Indian government.