As soon as India’s sovereignty, integrity, and security are disturbed, the Centre takes appropriate action. Recently, it was revealed that Jammu & Kashmir Over the Ground Workers (OGW) from different terrorist organizations were using 14 messaging apps to spread messages and receive notifications from Pakistan.
An intelligence source shared this information with the Ministry of Home Affairs secretly. Soon after, the Home Ministry, in close coordination with the IT Ministry, blocked all 14 apps under section 69A of the IT Act 2000. This was due to the circulation of anti-India messages and the secret compromise of the country’s sovereignty, integrity, and security. Let’s see what has been done here.
The Indian government banned 14 messaging apps in Kashmir which were allegedly used by terrorists to communicate with their supporters in Pakistan and to send information in J-K.
Two to three years ago, the government blocked only a few applications to protect the country’s prosperity. But if you recall the pandemic year (2020), the Indian government made two significant announcements for banning anti-India messaging apps. Firstly, they blocked 59 Chinese apps and, later on, 118 apps disturbing India’s integrity and confidentiality.
Likewise, the central government received information from a secret agency in 2023 that some anti-terror organizations were spreading or planning some terror event in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Over-The-Ground Workers. The medium through which they communicate is those 14 apps. After hearing this news, you may wonder what those 14 apps are. Below you will find a list of the blocked apps.
List of 14 Apps Blocked for compromising country’s Integrity
- Crypviser (10K+ downloads)
- Enigma (1L+ downloads)
- Safeswiss (100K+ downloads)
- Wickrme (10M+ downloads)
- Mediafire (100K+ downloads)
- Briar (1M+ downloads)
- BChat (1L+ downloads)
- Nandbox (1M+ downloads)
- Conion (10K+ downloads)
- IMO (1B+ downloads)
- Element (1M+ downloads)
- Second Line (5M+ downloads)
- Zangi (10M+ downloads)
- Threema (1M+ downloads)
However, since these apps are digital sources, the Ministry of Home Affairs cannot make any restrictions. Thanks to Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 allows the government to block any app from the country that disturbs India’s integrity, sovereignty, and security. As you know, those apps spread unnecessary propaganda and incite youth to ruin the country.
I understand that instead of blocking those apps directly, the government can track out those messages and take blueprints from terror groups associated with them. Nevertheless, you should note that all 14 apps are built with features that cannot reveal the group coordinating with them. Therefore, the government made a good decision by blocking such apps.
To conclude, now we are safe. If you have ever installed any apps, don’t panic; immediately wipe them from your phone. And in the future, whenever you find any new application, check its authenticity on their social media handles before downloading them. It will ensure that your identity and the sovereignty of your country will be protected. So, keep calm and always double-check when installing new apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans. All those apps are mentioned above.
Ans. Apps that threaten India’s security and sovereignty are completely banned under Section 69A of the IT Act 2000.
Ans. Although the government banned those apps to protect the country’s privacy, we do not recommend anyone to go against them. But for knowledge, you can use a VPN to access those restricted apps.
Ans. Yes, it is completely illegal as it violates India’s copyright law.
