Indian Intelligence Agencies Raise Alarm Against 52 Chinese Apps Like TikTok, SHAREit, UC News, Mi Apps

Reportedly, Chinese apps are under the scanner of Indian intelligence agencies for their potential security issues.

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New Delhi: Indian intelligence agencies have warned against using 52 mobile applications that have links to China. The list includes several popularly used apps like TikTok, SHAREit and UC browser. Reportedly, concerns have been raised over the privacy and safety of users' data.  Citing sources, a media report revealed that according to the intel inputs, the government needs to either block access to these apps or advise people to stop their use. The report cited an unnamed government official and stated that these recommendations are backed by the National Security Council Secretariat and carry the notion that these apps can pose a threat to the country's security. The recommendations of the intel agencies have the backing of the National Security Council Secretariat which determined that certain China-linked applications could be detrimental to national security. The apps being seen with suspicion by Indian agencies include TikTok, Vault-Hide, Vigo Video, Weibo, WeChat, SHAREit, UC News, UC Browser, BeautyPlus, Helo, LIKE, Kwai, ROMWE, SHEIN, NewsDog, Photo Wonder, APUS Browser, VivaVideo- QU Video Inc, Perfect Corp, CM Browser, and Virus Cleaner (Hi Security Lab). Also listed are Mi Community, DU recorder, YouCam Makeup, Mi Store, 360 Security, DU Battery Saver, DU Browser, DU Cleaner, DU Privacy, Clean Master - Cheetah, CacheClear DU apps studio, Baidu Translate, Baidu Map, Wonder Camera, ES File Explorer, QQ International, QQ Launcher, QQ Security Centre, QQ Player, QQ Music, QQ Mail, QQ NewsFeed, WeSync, SelfieCity, Clash of Kings, Mail Master, Mi Video call-Xiaomi, and Parallel Space, among others. A recent violent face-off between the Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh's Galwan valley led to the martyrdom of 20 brave Indian soldiers, which further re-stoked the demand for banning Chinese products in India and reducing trade ties with the country. China is also being held responsible for the strained relationship between India and Nepal as there are clear signals of how it is trying to grow its influence against India's interests there. These apps are being examined to determine the possibility of security risk and further recommendations are also being discussed. (With agency inputs) WATCH | Trying to normalise the situation on the border: China