Govt deems 'fake news' order restricting Chinese apps from app stores

Clarifying that the government has not issued any order to either Google or Apple on the restriction of certain Chinese apps on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, it deemed the news fake.

A message has been circulating on social media claiming that the National Informatics Centre under the Ministry of Electronics and IT has issued an order instructing the two electronics giants to restrict Chinese apps on their play stores respectively.

According to the message the government of India has directed the regional executive and representatives of Google and Apple to “restrict the functioning of Chinese applications from the respective stores with immediate effect”, reported Indian Express.

Refuting the claim the official twitter handle of PIB Fact Check refuted the claim and confirmed that the order is fake and no such instruction has been given by the Ministry of Electronics and IT or the National Informatics Centre.

TikTok, VMate, Vigo Video, LiveMe, Bigo Live, Beauty Plus, CamScanner, Club Factory, Shein, Romwe, Mobile Legends, Clash of Kings, Gale of Sultans and AppLock are some of the names mentioned in the fake message.

Claiming that the above-mentioned apps store user data and could compromise the privacy of the user and sovereignty of the country, the fake message called for the removal of the apps.

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This comes amidst the growing chorus of banning Chinese products and apps following the Galwan valley clash that claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers.

Sonam Wangchuk, educator and innovator had earlier called for a ban on Chinese apps for intentionally provoking border disputes.