A slew of Chinese dating websites and mobile apps were listed as threatening the sovereignty of India and banned by the Ministry of Electronics and IT today.
In all 43 websites and apps, including Alibaba Group Holding”s e-commerce app AliExpress, fell foul of the government’s decision-making officials. Around one-third of them are dating-related.
The Ministry of Electronics and IT issued the order for blocking the access of these apps by users in India based on the comprehensive reports received from Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, a release said.
Earlier on June 29 the government had blocked access to 59 mobile apps and on September 2 another 118 apps were banned under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act.
These apps included popular gaming app PUBG, TikTok, UC Browser, Baidu, Baidu Express Edition, Tencent Watchlist, FaceU, WeChat Reading and Tencent Weiyun.
The ban had come in the backdrop of border tensions with China in Ladakh.
In a statement issued today, the IT ministry said the government issued an order under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act blocking access to 43 mobile apps.
“This action was taken based on the inputs regarding these apps for engaging in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order,” the release said.
The latest list of 43 mobile apps include AliSuppliers Mobile App, Alibaba Workbench, AliExpress, Alipay Cashier, CamCard (Business Card Reader), Snack Video, and several dating apps such as WeDate, Chinese Social, TrulyChinese, ChinaLove, DateMyAge, FlirtWish and Guys Only Dating.
Other apps that have been blocked include Tubit, WeWorkChina, First Love Live, Rela, Cashier Wallet, Jellipop Match, Munchkin Match and Happy Fish. (Agencies)
