General

Why India banned apps from China (TikTok ban)


India banned various apps (example – TikTok ban) originating from China in June 2020 due to concerns over data privacy and national security. The Indian government cited a threat to the country’s sovereignty and security and issued an order to ban the apps, stating that they were engaged in activities “prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.” The ban affected popular apps such as TikTok, WeChat, and others.
The ban was seen as a response to border tensions between India and China and heightened concerns over the security of personal data collected by Chinese companies. The Indian government stated that it was necessary to protect the privacy of its citizens and national security. The ban was met with a mixed reaction, with some praising the move as a step towards digital sovereignty, while others criticized it as detrimental to the country’s tech industry and economy. The ban was later partially lifted by the Indian government, allowing a few of the banned apps to resume operations with some restrictions.


The ban also had a significant impact on the Indian tech industry, with many Indian startups and companies seeing an increase in users and investment. The ban led to the growth of domestic alternatives to banned Chinese apps and encouraged the development of a self-reliant tech ecosystem in India. However, it also led to disruptions in the Indian market and significant losses for Chinese tech companies, who had invested heavily in the country. The ban also sparked similar actions by other countries, with some banning Chinese apps and others imposing restrictions on their use. The ban remains a controversial issue, with ongoing debates about its impact on privacy, security, and the economy.

In addition to the ban, the Indian government has taken several other steps to promote digital sovereignty and promote the use of domestic technologies. For example, it has launched initiatives to promote the growth of domestic tech startups and encouraged companies to store data locally. The government has also established new laws and regulations to protect the privacy and security of personal data. These moves are aimed at reducing dependence on foreign technologies and promoting a self-reliant digital ecosystem in India.

Overall, the ban on Chinese apps in India highlights the growing concerns over data privacy and security, and the need for countries to take a more proactive approach towards protecting their citizens’ personal information. It also underlines the growing importance of digital sovereignty and the need for countries to develop their own tech ecosystems to reduce dependence on foreign technologies.

(How to By-pass TikTok ban)

Here are a few reputable sources with information on the ban of Chinese apps in India:

  1. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-53096749
  2. https://theprint.in/india/india-bans-118-chinese-apps-including-tiktok-to-protect-sovereignty-security-public-order/617949/
  3. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/ban-on-chinese-apps-india-draws-line-on-data-sovereignty/articleshow/76608439.cms
  4. https://www.reuters.com/business/technology/india-bans-chinese-apps-including-tiktok-calls-them-prejudicial-national-interest-2020-06-29/
  5. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/india-bans-tiktok-58-chinese-apps-amid-border-dispute-200629231457340.html
  6. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/ban-on-chinese-apps-boosts-domestic-players/articleshow/77010627.cms
  7. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ban-on-chinese-apps-boosts-domestic-tech-firms-2280535
  8. https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/29/tech/india-bans-chinese-apps-tiktok/index.html
  9. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/29/india-bans-tiktok-and-other-chinese-apps-amid-border-tensions
  10. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/india-bans-tiktok-and-57-other-chinese-apps-over-security-concerns.

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