The central government has blocked 14 mobile applications that were used as communication platforms by terrorists in Pakistan to transmit information to Jammu and Kashmir.
According to reports, these apps were discovered to be used by terrorists in Kashmir to communicate with their supporters and on-the-ground workers (OGW). Though government’s action against mobile applications posing a threat to national security is not new.
Here’s the list of blocked apps:
- Crypviser,
- Enigma
- Safeswiss
- Wickrme
- Mediafire
- Briar
- BChat
- Nandbox
- Conion
- IMO
- Element
- Second line
- Zangi
- Threema.
Earlier, the government had banned a slew of Chinese apps alleging them of being “prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state and public order.”
Over the last few years, approximately 250 Chinese apps have been banned. More than 200 Chinese apps, including popular ones like TikTok, Shareit, WeChat, Helo, Likee, UC News, Bigo Live, UC Browser, Xender, Camscanner, and popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile and Garena Free Fire, have been banned since June 2020.