Over a week after the Centre banned 59 apps of Chinese origin or with Chinese links from app stores in India, the Defence Ministry has instructed soldiers and officers of the Indian Army to delete 89 apps from their mobile devices, including news apps like Daily Hunt, dating apps like Tinder, social networking apps like Facebook, TikTok, video-conferencing apps like Zoom and gaming apps like PUBG.
According to Army sources, sensitive information is being leaked via these apps. The Army has said that strict action will be taken against those who do not comply with this order. The list of 89 apps includes many of 59 that were already banned.
Popular social media apps Facebook and Instagram have also been banned from use.
A senior official said that this order was issued as soldiers have increasingly been targeted and honey-trapped online, especially by Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI.
The Indian Army claims that Pakistan and China have been using leaked information from these apps to create trouble on the border and Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Earlier, the Army had instructed its soldiers and officials to stay clear of using WhatApp for official purposes. Officers posted on sensitive posts were also asked to delete their Facebook accounts. Carrying smartphones onto bases and dockyards has been prohibited.
It is well known that many apps collect data from their users and, in the absence of a data protection law, the data of Indian users can be sent outside the country. The app ban could help prevent sensitive information about the military from being leaked.
Here is the list of 89 apps prohibited by the Indian Army
Messaging Platform
WeChat, QQ, Kik, ooVoo, Nimbuzz, Hello, Qzone, Share Chat, Viber, Line, IMO, Snow, To Tok, Hike
News apps
Daily Hunt, News Dog
Networking apps
Facebook, Instagram, Baidu, Snapchat, Ello
Video Hosting
Tik Tok, Likee, Samosa, Kwali
Content Sharing
ShareIt, Xender, Zapya
Web Browsers
UC Browser, UC Browser Mini
Video and Live Streaming
Zoom, LiveMe, BigoLive, Fast Films, Vmate, Uplive, Vigo Video
Utility apps
CamScanner, Beauty Plus, True Caller
Gaming apps
PUBG, Clash of Kings, All Tencent gaming apps, Mobile Legends
E-Commerce
AliExpress, Club Factory, Shein, Romwe, Modility, Chinabrands, Gearbest, Banggood, MiniInTheBox, TinyDeal, Dhhgate, LightinTheBox, DX, EricDress, Zaful, Tbdress, Rosegal
Dating Apps
Tinder, TrulyMadly, Coffee Meets Bagel, OkCupid, Hinge, Bumble, Tantan, Woo, Azar, Happn, Aisle
Antivirus
360 Security
Online Book Reading apps
Pratilipi
Health apps
Heal of Y
Lifestyle apps
POPXO
Knowledge apps
Vokal
Music apps
Hungama, Songs.pk
Micro-Blogging
Tumblr, Reddit, FriendFeed, Private Blogs, Yelp