NEW DELHI: The government has decided to block 59 smartphone apps in India. These include popular apps like TikTok, SHAREit, Mi Video Call, UC Browser and others. “The Ministry of Information Technology, invoked it’s power under section 69A of the Information Technology Act read with the relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules 2009 and in view of the emergent nature of threats has decided to block 59 apps ( see Appendix) since in view of information available they are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order,” as per an official statement.
Although the orders have been issued today, it may take some time for the app and play stores to act on them. And those wh