India bans 14 messaging apps citing crackdown on terror activities
Citing a major crackdown on terrorist activities, India on Monday announced that it has banned 14 mobile messaging applications.
The banned apps include Crypviser, Enigma, Safeswiss, Wickrme, Mediafire, Briar, BChat, Nandbox, Conion, IMO, Element, Second Line, Zangi, and Threema.
These apps have been blocked under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Several news outlets quoted unnamed official confirming the ban. According to a central intelligence officer, as reported by The Indian Express, they recommended action after finding that these apps were being used by terrorists and their supporters to communicate with on-ground workers (OGW) in J&K.
These apps do not have any representatives in India and cannot be contacted for seeking information as mandated by Indian laws.
The action was taken on the recommendation of security and intelligence agencies. A list of apps that pose a threat to national security and do not follow Indian laws was prepared, and the concerned ministry was informed of the request to ban them.
