According to Hindustan Times, as many as 50 apps associated with China have been marked dangerous by Indian intelligence agencies. This comes as a response to tighten national security. A significant number of Indians use these apps, due to which the intelligence agencies have asked the government to either block these apps or to strongly suggest people against using them. Moreover, the security agencies of India have added that huge data is at risk of exposure by these apps, making India’s security vulnerable and data exploitable.
The famous ‘Zoom’ app, which although isn't included in these apps, had previously raised national security concerns. According to an advisory issued by the home ministry earlier in April this year, this extremely popular video conferencing app was declared unsafe. The advisory had recommended that the app is prone to being maliciously attacked, making video conferences and meetings exposed and at risk at all times.
More popular app names can also be seen in this list. These include apps made or prepared under the brand of Xiaomi. More apps include famous social media platforms Bigo and TikTok are also included, as well as apps in other categories. Other apps include UC Browser (a web browser for mobile), Shein (an e-commerce platform), Clash of Kings (a famous game), and Shareit, a file sharing service.
Due to the current spark of tension between India and China, security personnel have been asked to stop using Chinese apps. Not only in India but also in the Western world, intelligence agencies remain suspicious of China for mishandling apps. They expect China to manipulate data in case of discord and dispute.
These apps are still available on Apple's App Store and Google Play, but have been strictly advised against. Following is the complete list of these 52 apps:
360 Security, APUS Browser, Baidu Map, Baidu Translate, BeautyPlus, Bigo Live, CacheClear DU apps studio, Clash of Kings, Clean Master – Cheetah, ClubFactory, CM Browser, DU Battery Saver, DU Browser, DU Cleaner, DU Privacy, DU recorder, ES File Explorer, Helo, Kwai, LIKE, Mail Master, Mi Community, Mi Store, Mi Video call-Xiaomi, NewsDog, Parallel Space, Perfect Corp, Photo Wonder, QQ International, QQ Launcher, QQ Mail, QQ Music, QQ NewsFeed, QQ Player, QQ Security Centre, ROMWE, SelfieCity, SHAREit, SHEIN, TikTok, UC Browser, UC News, Vault-Hide, Vigo Video, Virus Cleaner (Hi Security Lab), VivaVideo- QU Video Inc, WeChat, Weibo, WeSync, Wonder Camera, Xender and YouCam Makeup.
Image credit: wiredsmart
360 Security, APUS Browser, Baidu Map, Baidu Translate, BeautyPlus, Bigo Live, CacheClear DU apps studio, Clash of Kings, Clean Master – Cheetah, ClubFactory, CM Browser, DU Battery Saver, DU Browser, DU Cleaner, DU Privacy, DU recorder, ES File Explorer, Helo, Kwai, LIKE, Mail Master, Mi Community, Mi Store, Mi Video call-Xiaomi, NewsDog, Parallel Space, Perfect Corp, Photo Wonder, QQ International, QQ Launcher, QQ Mail, QQ Music, QQ NewsFeed, QQ Player, QQ Security Centre, ROMWE, SelfieCity, SHAREit, SHEIN, TikTok, UC Browser, UC News, Vault-Hide, Vigo Video, Virus Cleaner (Hi Security Lab), VivaVideo- QU Video Inc, WeChat, Weibo, WeSync, Wonder Camera, Xender and YouCam Makeup.
Image credit: wiredsmart
